Middle Leadership Essentials - On the day

Welcome, introduction and context setting

• Set your objectives and expectations for the day
• Reflect on previous training units 1-4 with your peers, discuss the challenges you’ve faced and share your team vision for improvement
• Introduction to your self-directed project and how to identify potential leadership skills you would like to improve

Donna Westwood, development coach, facilitator and writer

Understand how to have difficult conversations whilst maintaining positive relationships with staff

• Manage the transition from classroom teacher to line manager, developing rapport and empathy with your new team
• Understand how to hold a difficult conversation sensitively and learn how to identify and overcome current barriers
• Alter your management style to suit challenging situations and maintain positive relationships

Donna Westwood, development coach, facilitator and writer

Embed coaching and mentoring into every day practice across your school to encourage open and constructive conversations with all staff

• Explore the differences between coaching and mentoring, when to use them and the impact each can have on your team
• Take away a model for professional dialogue and learn how to incorporate coaching questions and useful follow-up tips
• Develop a clear system for accountability and feedback that revolves around open, honest and regular communication

Dr Sharon Williams

Set out your self-directed projects to improve your leadership skills and drive progress across your department

Skills and strategies to align your priorities with those of the senior leadership team and make your mark as a middle leader

• Gain strategies to align your priorities with the overall strategic direction of the school
• Develop the skills to present effectively to senior leaders and know what language to adopt to demonstrate progress
• Increase your visibility across school and gain the practical skills to fulfill expectations as an effective middle leader

Dr Sharon Williams