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info@headmastershelpdesk.com
Leadership is very taxing at the best of times and leaders require much support and guidance to ensure that they are the best possible leaders that they can be. Ideally, all leaders should have at least one mentor whom they trust and with whom they can have tough conversations and seek counsel. I recently watched one of Simon Sinek’s TED Talks, which reminded me of a few important aspects to consider.
Some people think leadership is just about giving orders, but real leadership – the kind that inspires, motivates, and creates lasting impact – is so much more than that.
Simon Sinek’s leadership philosophy emphasises empathy, servant leadership, and personal growth. The phrase “sharpen the axe” is indeed associated with his ideas, highlighting the importance of self-improvement and preparation for leaders.
Leaders have to continually seek self-improvement to be the best leader that they can be for the community in which they serve and, ideally, have one or two ‘honest’ mentors who have their best interests at heart and who will be 100% truthful with advice and feedback!
Understanding the “why” behind your actions and decisions is crucial for inspirational leadership. Most people know what they do. Some even know how they do it. But truly great leaders? They start with why.
Simon Sinek’s most famous lesson is simple but powerful: people do not buy into what you do; they buy into why you do it. Purpose is what inspires action, builds loyalty, and creates lasting impact.
Think about the leaders who have truly influenced you. Chances are, they were not just focused on results – they had a vision that made you feel something. They stood for something bigger than themselves and that is what made people want to follow them.
If you want to be an exceptional leader, start by asking yourself: why do I do what I do? Once you find that answer, everything else will fall into place.
Find your why.
Alpha leaders need to prioritise self-improvement and preparation to achieve better results. They know what they want and they go after it. Practise listening to others first and, once they have contributed and have been heard, you should be the last to speak. People need to be heard, need to know that they have been heard and that they have a voice – and that their voice matters.
Great leaders start with empathy, creating spaces where individuals can thrive and develop meaningful relationships. Checking in on your staff is crucial and treating them as individual human beings – not merely a number – is essential. Questions such as, “Are you okay?”, “What is going on?”, “Can we help you?” show that you genuinely care about them and this care helps them to be at their natural best.
Leadership is about serving, supporting, and inspiring others; not about personal power or status. Create an environment that promotes collaboration, trust, and innovation.
Prioritise the well-being and growth of team members. Sinek explains that real leaders create a sense of safety, making people feel valued and protected. When leaders take care of their team first – whether in business or life – people naturally give their best in return. In Maslow’s Hierarchy of Being, positive self-esteem is crucial. People require recognition and respect from others to thrive.
Therefore, if you want to lead well, ask yourself if you are putting your people first – because the best leaders always do!
Understand and communicate the underlying reasons for your organisation’s existence and goals. People may hear what you say, but they feel what you mean.
Simon Sinek often talks about how leadership is not just about the words you choose; it is about the energy and belief behind them.
Research suggests that a significant part of communication is non-verbal (anything from 55-93%), meaning your tone, body language, and overall presence have a bigger impact than the actual words you speak.
Think about the last time you listened to a truly inspiring leader. It was not just their message that moved you – it was their passion, confidence, and authenticity. That is what made you believe in them.
If you want to lead effectively, do not just focus on what you are saying. Make sure your energy aligns with your message because people will always respond more to how you make them feel than to what you say.
Simon Sinek reminds us that the best leaders do not focus on themselves – they focus on serving, supporting, and inspiring those around them. They build trust, create safe environments, and lead with purpose. In doing so, they bring out the best in others.
John C. Maxwell, another legend and leadership expert, captures its essence in the following quote, “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.“
Maxwell’s philosophy and principles about leadership is very similar to Sinek’s as suggested by a number of the following points.
– Beyond Titles and Positions: True leadership is not about authority or hierarchy; it’s about the impact you have on others.
– One Life Influencing Another: Leadership is about making a positive difference in the lives of others, inspiring them to grow, and helping them reach their potential.
– Leadership is a Choice: Anyone can choose to lead and influence others, regardless of their title or position.
– Influence is Key: Leadership is about influencing others to achieve a common goal or vision.
– Relationships Matter: Building strong relationships with others is crucial for effective leadership.
– Focus on People: Prioritise building relationships and developing others.
– Lead by Example: Demonstrate the behaviours and values you want others to follow.
– Empower Others: Give others the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of their work.
By embracing Maxwell’s philosophy, you can become a more effective and influential leader, making a lasting impact on those around you.
At its core, leadership is not something you have – it is something you give.
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.” John C. Maxwell.
Good leadership in the school environment is an evolving exercise. For school heads, senior management, and HODs, it also requires a multi-pronged approach to make a meaningful impact. In providing leadership-related services to schools, my approach is equally sensitive to a changing world. During my career, I had the benefit of best practice together with hard-earned practical lessons that shaped successful leadership in my own office and within the broader school community.
Today, I am passionate about imparting these lessons through my consulting services. From educational consulting to school principals and management to recruitment, I partner with schools to develop formidable leadership programmes and fine-tune operations.
Leadership is also always topical. As a guest speaker, I tailor talks for in-school addresses and conferences to inspire debate, share information, and foster growth.
It all starts with a conversation.
References:
Julia Hayes [2024] – ‘ A blueprint for exceptional leadership ‘
John Maxwell [2002] – “Leadership 101’
Simon Sinek [2024] – “ Secrets to become a better leader “