As we head into the second half of a short term, we’d like to prompt you with this simple question – what’s your leadership priority?
You might be thinking… implementing structured literacy, reporting to parents, assessment, that school production you wish you’d never agreed to, however the correct answer is you – leading yourself.
Being able to distinguish between what you can and can’t control is a first step. Applying emotional intelligence can help shift perspective and move towards action.
We’d like to prompt you to consider that maintaining a positive mindset and treating your time as a precious resource are two things within your control.
We’d like to offer a tool and provocations that may support you in your next steps:
Inspired by Stephen Covey and with many iterations since, a simple self or peer coaching tool is the circle of influence tool.
Inner Circle: Things I can control
Middle Circle: Things I can influence
Outer Circle: Things I’m concerned about but can’t control
Examples:
Inner Circle: Full control (e.g., how I spend my time, my mindset, my response, my communication)
Middle Circle: Influence (e.g., team culture, conditions for change)
Outer Circle: Concern but no control (e.g., ministry changes, other people’s actions, budget 2025)
Step-by-step:
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What’s on your mind? Brainstorm.
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Sort. Assign each “thing” to a circle.
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Analyse. What is this telling you? Where are you spending your energy? How much of your energy is going to things you can’t control?
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Identify what’s within your control and identify what you can do about it.
Who else on your team might benefit from being coached through this?
Provocations
“It’s not people, things, or situations that cause us stress. It’s how we think about those people, things and situations that cause us stress” Dr Libby Weaver
In the heat of the battle, observe before you act.
Moving forward, how will you prioritise you?
Carol and Nadia