Summary of NPQH Autumn 20 Keynote Andy Shakos Event 1

Summary of "NPQH Autumn 20 Keynote Andy Shakos Event 1"

Main Ideas and Concepts:

• Introduction and Context:
  • Andy Shakos delivers a keynote for NPQH induction, sharing personal experiences and reflections on headship.
  • The talk focuses on the joys, challenges, responsibilities, and behaviors required in headship.
  • Emphasizes self-awareness, values, and principles as foundational to effective leadership.
• Personal Background and Motivation:
  • Andy shares his family history, particularly his mother’s difficult upbringing and resilience, which shaped his values.
  • He highlights the importance of working for an organization aligned with one’s values (he works for The Dean Trust, a multi-academy trust focused on disadvantaged communities).
  • Uses personal stories (e.g., working in a fish and chip shop, learning French, family life) to illustrate lessons about hard work, humility, lifelong learning, and never saying “never.”
• Why Teach and Why Lead:
  • Teaching is about making a positive difference, continuous learning, and inspiring young people.
  • Leadership expands the sphere of influence from individual classrooms to whole schools and communities.
  • Headship requires resilience, passion, unconditional care, high expectations, and visible role modeling.
  • Data should be used to ask questions and inform challenge, not to limit potential.
• Key Leadership Lessons and Practices:
  • Positive Memory Reference Points: Creating positive, personal interactions with students outside academic settings to build trust and open communication.
  • Values and Standards: Holding high expectations for staff and students; “If it’s not good enough for my own children, it’s not good enough for anyone else’s.”
  • Leadership Style: Open-door policy, high visibility, positive attitude, consistent communication of expectations.
  • Managing Challenges: Address underperformance promptly; prefer face-to-face communication over emails for difficult conversations.
  • Ego Management: Stay self-aware; be open to feedback and challenge; wrap up past successes and start fresh when moving to new roles.
  • Humor and Positivity: Use humor and positivity to build relationships and resilience.
• Impact of Leadership:
  • Leadership affects colleagues, students, and the wider school community.
  • Celebrating achievements publicly (e.g., “Colleague of the Week”) fosters a positive culture.
  • Facilitating unique opportunities for students (e.g., building a racing car, creative projects) can inspire and open doors.
  • Leaders must be cautious about public communications to avoid misunderstandings or controversies.
• Stories of Impact on Individuals:
  • Sinead: Inspired by being called a mathematician, went on to a successful career abroad.
  • Tom: Formerly incarcerated student who achieved GCSEs and is now traveling and working abroad.
  • George: Troubled student turned motivated drama enthusiast and community leader.
  • Rob: A student who struggled but was appreciated for making math fun (though outcomes vary).
• Core Messages:
  • Never underestimate the lasting impact of positive words and actions.
  • Always prioritize children’s welfare above all else.
  • Leadership is a human endeavor requiring emotional honesty and support.
  • The mood and behavior of the head teacher set the tone for the whole school.
  • Continuous reflection on one’s values, behaviors, and impact is essential.

---

Detailed Bullet Points of Methodology / Key Tips for Successful Headship:

• Understand Your Personal Motivations and Values:
  • Reflect on your background and what drives you.
  • Align with an organization that shares your values.
• Maintain High Expectations and Consistency:
  • Set and share clear aspirations for staff and students.
  • Use data as a tool to challenge and support, not limit potential.
• Build Positive Relationships:
  • Create positive memory reference points with students.
  • Be visible and approachable around the school.
  • Celebrate achievements regularly and publicly.
• Manage Staff Effectively:
  • Trust, empower, support, and challenge your team.
  • Address underperformance promptly and fairly.
  • Encourage open communication and feedback.
• Communicate Thoughtfully:
  • Prefer face-to-face for challenging conversations.
  • Consider tone and impact before responding to emails or texts.
• Stay Self-Aware and Manage Your Ego:
  • Know your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Be open to challenge but firm when needed.
  • Let go of past successes when moving roles; start fresh.
• Lead with Care and Emotional Honesty:
  • Recognize that leaders are human and need support.
  • Show unconditional care for students.
  • Model the behaviors and values you expect.
• Use Humor and Positivity to Build Culture:
  • Don’t be afraid to laugh and be human.
  • Positivity is contagious and helps resilience.

Category

Educational

Video