Authentic School Leadership The importance of being yourself #authenticitywebinar

My Lessons Lessons from the lives of School Leaders Lessons for you

LESSONS FROM MY OWN LIFE Growing up, many of the lessons I learnt from those around me in my formative years – about ‘true self’ all were faulty - & I had to learn how to readdress when I became a HT LESSONS FROM MY OWN LIFE

My Story

Lessons I learnt from my own life - Lesson 1 I learnt that you had to carry the world on your shoulders. Never ask for help, even when you needed it Always present as strong, no matter the circumstances

Lessons I learnt from my own life - Lesson 2 I learnt to keep my emotions to myself Not to show vulnerability, hurt or pain Vulnerability = weakness

Lessons I learnt from my own life - Lesson 3 I learnt that people couldn’t be trusted – so learnt to keep my guard

Impact My internal world was confused, sad and lonely To hide this I projected happy, confident, amiable, to cover up what I was feeling inside

16 Year Old Me !

“ But extroversion sometimes develops as a way to cope with self doubt “ But extroversion sometimes develops as a way to cope with self doubt. We plunge into external activity to prove that we are worthy, or simply to avoid the question” Parker J Palmer

LESSONS FROM THE LIVES OF SCHOOL LEADERS

Lesson 1

Lesson 1 They learn to drop the leadership mask & past defences against the world They learn how to engage with the challenges of the present moment as ‘adult’ rather than as individuals with defence mechanisms that are based upon past experiences They are therefore much more authentic and ‘real’ when in role

Lesson 2

Lesson 2 They understand that change may mean that sometimes they do not ‘feel like themselves’ but learn to understand that this is part of the change process and them growing into bigger more expansive versions of themselves They are therefore more authentic as they are leaning into the change process and not fighting against it. They are hence more compassionate with themselves and others

Lesson 3

They seek out private places where they can be vulnerable. Lesson 3 They seek out private places where they can be vulnerable. These spaces allow them to meet themselves on different terms and hence show a greater inner and outward alignment when they are with others = a true mark of authenticity – others know they are not faking it – they are real!

Impact Trusting of self and others Confident Forever questioning – to seek alignment between outer realities and inner processes Authenticity

“The Soul speaks its truth only under quiet, inviting and trustworthy conditions”

LESSONS FOR YOU

The pressures of School Leadership can drive us …… “ away from True Self toward images of acceptability. Our original shape is deformed beyond recognition; and we ourselves driven by fear, too often betray True Self to gain the approval of others” Parker J Palmer

The Rosa Parks’ Lesson “ I will no longer act on the outside in a way that contradicts the truth that I hold deeply on the inside. I will no longer act as if I were less than the whole person, I know myself inwardly to be.”

” Each of us holds the challenge and the promise of naming and claiming True Self .” Parker J Palmer

Questions for Reflection To what degree are you aware of the ways in which you may have compromised your True Self to gain the approval of others? What has been the cost? When you show up as your True/Best Self what does it feel/look like? What can you take from this webinar that will enable you to walk in greater alignment with your True Self?

An Invitation – ‘To book a FREE ‘Coaching for the Soul’ Call FREE 30 min call The call will help you to: Create a sense of clarity about how you want to show up as a school leader Gain perspective on any challenges you may be currently facing Identify the steps that you can take to lead with greater authenticity All you need to do is either: Click on the link in the invitation below the slides and book a time which suits you.