Category Archives: Leadership

Women hold up half the sky*, so how can I make sure I’m carrying my load?

It is with a degree of trepidation that I venture into this thought-territory, but I think as a 21st Century woman I have a responsibility to this emerging generation of women. The business and the not-for-profit sector would directly benefit from great women in positions of responsibility, but we (the women-folk) can also be betterContinueContinue reading “Women hold up half the sky*, so how can I make sure I’m carrying my load?”

You have 7 seconds*: The right impression

About 15 years ago I applied for a teaching job. I had been at my school about eight years and felt I needed a change. After forwarding my written application I was grateful to receive an interview. As the principal showed me to the door at the conclusion of the interview, I will never forgetContinueContinue reading “You have 7 seconds*: The right impression”

“Hard is soft. Soft is Hard” …What really matters?

In 1982 Tom Peters co-wrote In Search of Excellence. This book became an international best seller which, according to Wikipedia, “one of the biggest selling and most widely read business books ever, selling 3 million copies in its first four years”. By Peters own admission* the biggest takeaway from that book was the simple motto:ContinueContinue reading ““Hard is soft. Soft is Hard” …What really matters?”

“Minister for Learning”… now how would that change the focus of education in our nation?

In Australia we are in an interesting political environment. When the government was finally decided and the portfolios handed out many of us in education were bemused by the decision to appoint the “Minister for Schools, Early Childhood and Youth” – prior to the swearing in of the minister this was hastily changed to  include “education” -ContinueContinue reading ““Minister for Learning”… now how would that change the focus of education in our nation?”

Lesson in Vision #2: “Oh, the vision-thing”

“Oh the vision-thing” This response was from George Bush Snr when it was suggested he needed a less short-term political approach to his tenure as President. A great vision stirs my emotion, compels me to act and keeps me going. A great vision inspires innovation and creativity, it makes me try new things, take risks and dream big. IContinueContinue reading “Lesson in Vision #2: “Oh, the vision-thing””

Lesson in Vision #1… the relentless pursuit

The school is a very unique context. Just about all of us have an experience of school, good and bad, and many of us are happy to replicate it, supported by the dubious argument ‘it didn’t do me any harm’… did it? Could it have been any better for you? Don’t our young people deserveContinueContinue reading “Lesson in Vision #1… the relentless pursuit”

The handshake: Getting it ‘just right’

This is one of those important practicalities of leadership – the handshake. With an election looming here in Australia, many can remember that pivotal moment of the 2004 election. The Labor leader Mark Latham’s handshake almost wrestled the then PM John Howard as they passed in a corridor between radio interviews, pulling him close and staring himContinueContinue reading “The handshake: Getting it ‘just right’”

A new vision for schools in Australia…Are you up for it?

Vision – an overused and perhaps under-delivered concept. It is the picture of a preferred future. What would a vision of a preferred future look like for schools in Australia? A place where students want to learn and they do A generation who are lifelong learners A curriculum that engages and inspires A place whereContinueContinue reading “A new vision for schools in Australia…Are you up for it?”