I try to model compassion for others by being generous with my time, to give them my full attention and to show them that they really matter.
The last two years have taught me many things as leader, one being that we can only be effective if we look after ourselves and our own mental health. I always encourage others to take this time but as leaders we never give ourselves that permission. We always come last on the list.
This is what first drew me to develop my leadership through mindfulness. It took me out of my 'working head' and gave me the opportunity to actually explore how I am coping with things. It became - crucially - not another “thing to-do” in my day but a welcome opportunity to go deeper into myself and be the best leader I could be.
Here’s what I have learnt - and continue to learn - along the way.
Staying in balance
Through Mindfulness, I have become really aware of the need to be in balance as a leader, shifting perspective by spending “time on the balcony” and “time on the dance floor”. By this I mean getting out of the ‘thick of it’ of the school by taking a step back and finding a quiet place to observe. I have learnt that when I get off the “dance floor” I give others the opportunity to shine and I have shared this with staff. It really makes sense to people and helps us all have more perspective.
This balance has also helped me to leave my to-do list at the start of the holiday and, you know what? When I go back to it in early September with a clear head, most of it doesn't seem that important anymore. I ask myself - why was this waking me up in the middle of the night in July?
Preparing for the tough stuff
Whenever I am about to face something challenging, or something I am not really looking forward to I always prepare myself mentally. I have had a word with myself to steel myself for whatever I am about to face.
The exploration of leadership presence through mindfulness has helped me see that paying attention to my physical presence is as important as my mental preparation. This awareness of my physicality - as simple as being aware of my breathing - as I move through the school is now a practice I bring into my regular day-to-day routine. It’s been easier and more useful than I thought.
Becoming a “chief noticer”
Mindfulness has helped me to see myself as 'chief noticer' and, if I am to play that important role, I need to be present. It's helped me to deal with the guilt I think we all have when we are not constantly 'doing'. As a result I can see when other members of staff are caught on a treadmill of thinking or doing, barely pausing for breath, and I now say to them;
Let 's stop, let's pause and have a bit of a re-set here.
and then we get going again. That's been really beneficial for all of us.
One of the things I have also noticed as a result of the mindful leadership programme is how I conduct appraisal meetings. I now focus on being fully present and allow the appraisee to talk much more. I focus more on my questioning skills, I am aware of my speech, I am aware of them and their body language. I feel it has made the whole process much more rewarding for both of us.
Compassion and joy
I was really drawn to the work on compassionate leadership. I liked the fierce nature of it (it definitely does not mean being soft!). I try to model compassion for others by being generous with my time, to give them my full attention and to show them that they really matter.
Doing that which brings us joy, as part of our practice of self-compassion really struck me. I've got into the habit - reinforced by the pandemic - of just 'working on work' as I call it; policies, programmes, and papers. I now think - right, time to pick myself up and have a walk around school or go into early years and talk to the children. That's the joy of the job and it was great to be reminded to bring that back to the forefront of everything we do.
So - what does ‘mindful leadership’ mean to me?
The words that seem to define leading mindfully for me are intuitive, empathetic and compassionate. I also think the word balance is important - if we are balanced as leaders we can help shape well balanced, well-adjusted children who are thriving… and that's really what it's all about isn't it?