CPD Team

This post was written by Margaret Orr of the National CPD Team. You can find out more about Malachi Pancoast’s  work on his web site, the Breakthrough Coach

Following the lunch break at any conference is always a challenge but Malachi rose to it very well and energised the group, including a very good stress buster exercise – just breathe deeply! He also managed to make housekeeping an attractive proposition. I am sure that all delegates undertook a voluntary (or involuntary) visioning exercise of their own office. Maybe they also envisioned whose office was going to be grateful recipient of all their treasured possessions!

It would be easy to remember Malachi’s session for the above but miss the core message. In whatever context we work, there is potential and capacity to reflect on organisational practice and change. However that is managed will be based on the leader’s knowledge and understanding of the context in which they work.

The success of Malachi’s strategy is clearly dependent on the leader having a high calibre support machine (both admin and classroom-based) – factors outwith the direct control of school managers? How many of us have Ronaldos on our staff?

His invitation to be open to change by reflecting on our current practice is valid – echoing the emphasis of self-evaluation promoted by HMIE and chimes with the aspirations of a Curriculum for Excellence. The translation of his 7 steps to producing a breakthrough will be determined by internal and external factors and the encouraged expectations that our customers and clients have of the system.

While the open door approach does have its dangers if not carefully managed, there is an obligation on school managers to respond to the needs of pupils and parents – both legal and professional. Often, these imperatives cannot be ignored, no matter how impeccable your office or strong-willed your secretary!

All of us will have tuned into different aspects of Malachi’s vision. The degree to which it applies is also for each individual to determine. I wish you luck with your duster!

Categories: Leadership, SummerSchool08