4 minute read
The Ripple Effect of Leadership
I joined the education sector in 2007, barely understanding what my position description meant let alone having a vision for our community. I was embracing all those famous adages like feel the fear and do it anyway and spent the first couple of years petrified that I would be found out to be a fraud. Very early on, my wise leader at the time introduced me to Educate Plus, and since then, this incredible network of experts has empowered my success through the formative years and has grown with me like a faithful friend to this day. To say I am grateful is an understatement.
I learnt over time that successful leadership begins with a clear vision and just how mighty this simple concept can be. I have deliberately aligned myself with peers, mentors, leaders and organisations with vision, because they are the ones that fill me with excitement and drive me to keep thinking outside the box and imagining what can be.
I am sure you have these people in your professional and personal lives… they are the ones you go out of your way to spend time with. It’s this clarity of vision and sense of aspiration that is so inspiring when I’m working with the Board of Educate Plus.
So, here are some learnings I have collected along the way about what I believe to be the cornerstone of leadership….it all starts with having a vision that people will get out of bed for.
A brave vision aligned with values and goals serves as your roadmap, it is your organisations outline of where you are headed and what you collectively aim to achieve. However, a compelling strategic vision is of no value collecting dust on a shelf. It needs to be communicated and circulated for adoption and ‘buy-in’, so you can harness all the diverse perspectives and talents of your teams and the wisdom of your stakeholders. This not only enriches the vision but also fosters a sense of ownership and commitment…you are bringing them along on the journey with you.
Highly effective teams are completely aligned in their vision. Their direction is clear, they thrive on a shared purpose, they celebrate their wins together, and they believe wholeheartedly in their goals.
Leadership is not just about setting the vision but also about embodying it. Leading by example is a powerful way to inspire and motivate others. When we see our leaders living our visions, values and principles, we are more likely to follow suit. This consistency between words and actions builds trust, credibility and most importantly, culture. For example, I deeply value continued professional development and believe that when leaders invest in their own growth and development, they set an example for others to follow. This, in turn, cultivates a culture of continuous improvement that empowers individuals at all levels of your organisations to become lifelong learners, seeking new ideas and innovations.
Finally, a compelling vision needs to be adaptable and responsive to change. In today’s dynamic, uncertain, and complex business environment, organisations must be agile and open to new opportunities and challenges. Welcome change, or even better, be the change makers and be willing to reassess and refine your vision to stay relevant and competitive. Perhaps I am a bit of a thrill seeker, but I love nothing more than a business disruptor! It is an exciting opportunity to embrace flexible and imaginative thinking, sharpen the team’s focus, and remain resilient and capable of navigating uncertainties.
Ultimately, as leaders, empowering success lies in our ability to create a ripple effect. By fostering a shared vision, we can create a lasting impact and build a brighter future for our organisations and the communities we serve.
Myfanwy Stanfield F.EdPlus
Chair of the Board | Educate Plus
Director of Community Engagement Ascham School
