When you start a new job, it’s inevitably going to be a steep learning curve. By the very definition of the job being new, there’s going to be a great deal that you don’t know, a high chance that you won’t always get it right, and much of what you do will almost certainly be demanding and difficult, no matter how rewarding and enjoyable the role may be.
Having started a new job as Headmaster of Oswestry School in January of this year, this has certainly been my experience and whilst as Head I am leader of our school community, I have been as much a learner as I have been a leader during my first two terms in post. As you can see from the photo below, I have certainly had my hands full during my time here thus far!
You learn, of course, on the job, but one likewise benefits from the wisdom of others, and I have certainly valued both the example of other Heads who I have worked with (and I have had the privilege of working with a great many inspirational leaders including Richard Stanley at Highbury School in South Africa, Michael Mavor at Loretto School, and Jeremy Goulding, Mark Turner and Leo Winkley at Shrewsbury School), and have likewise valued the sounding boards of a great many others, including my wonderful mentor Garry Bowe (a former Headmaster himself), my fellow new Heads, and many more individuals who have been invaluable in their insights, empathy and understanding, not least my ever-patient and considerate wife Jenna!
I’ve also found the likes of LinkedIn and Twitter invaluable sources of ideas and insights whether from those working in education or indeed in other areas of leadership. For example, I read somewhere- I can’t remember where- of a new Head who had written to every member of staff prior to starting, encouraging others to do the same. I thought this was a tremendous idea and shamelessly copied the idea, handwriting close to 200 cards to my new colleagues- teaching staff and support staff- at the start of my first term. A small thing, perhaps, but it really did make a difference, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone starting out in a new leadership role as a Head or otherwise. It was hugely appreciated, and the personal gesture was well worth the time and effort.
One thing I’ve really benefited from is a very brief daily exercise as recommended by Martin Seligman in his seminal book on Positive Psychology, Flourish. It’s called the ‘What Went Well’ exercise (or the ‘Three Blessings’), and is something I began doing myself at the start of the Summer Term having read the book over the Easter holidays. It’s a very simple exercise involving simply writing down three things that went well that day and why they went well.
As Seligman himself notes, all too often we focus on what goes wrong and dwell on the frustrations and annoyances of day to day life. Not often enough do we focus on what goes right, and in Seligman’s view that is something we’d all benefit from redressing. He encourages individuals to make WWW a daily discipline, stipulating the importance of keeping a written record, and states confidently that six months in, you’ll feel happier, more positive, and indeed will be somewhat addicted to the exercise.
Whilst it might not be for everyone, I have certainly found it immensely useful keeping a WWW daily journal. It’s been very helpful indeed to spend five to ten minutes at the end of every day reflecting back on the good things that have happened and waymarking moments of progress. On every single day since I started- no matter how difficult things may have been or what might have gone wrong- I’ve always been able to reflect back on three things that have gone well. Sometimes, given the busyness and sheer variety of the school day, I’ve often completely forgotten about them until the end of the day and it’s only when I’ve taken the time to look back at my diary and the things that have happened that I’ve remembered those good moments- the sweet spots of the day. It’s likewise been very useful at various points- not least at the end of a term- to look back on these journal entries and reflect back on the weeks and months of positive moments; the cumulative list of good things makes for encouraging and positive reading!
It doesn’t always have to be a big thing; sometimes it’s the small things that keep us buoyant and keep us going. The minor victories. The small steps of progress. The things that make us smile, encourage us, challenge us.
It likewise doesn’t always have to be to do with work; it could be those small, precious moments at home or the rejuvenating, re-energising power of going for a walk, a run, or a rare catch up with friends. Whatever it is, the very act of writing it down and focusing on the positives in itself has a positive effect. As I say, it might not work for everyone, but it has certainly worked for me and I for one will be making sure it’s part of my daily routine come the start of the new academic year in September.
For now, I share with you a few of my ‘what went well’ moments from my first two terms in post, capturing- I hope- some of the wonderful and invigorating variety of life as a Headmaster!
Peter Middleton 