Be curious. Not furious.

Leadership is both an opportunity and a responsibility.

When I stepped into my first educational leadership role, I was equally excited and terrified. I had been in a new school for 6 weeks and was asked to lead a key stage team.

I saw the opportunities; to shape a cohesive team and make a difference to the outcomes for children. But what hit me hardest was the responsibility. Every decision I made impacted real people; their confidence, their growth, their sense of belonging.

One moment in that first week of leadership stands out. A team member made a decision that angered a parent. My initial feelings were of frustration and confusion, but I paused and remembered the words of a leader I had a great deal of respect for: 'Be curious not furious!'

Approaching the conversation in a curious way built trust and understanding. It reminded me that leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a safe space for others to make mistakes and learn in order to grow.

Leadership is a privilege.

What’s one lesson leadership has taught you?