Author: Cat Squires, Head of Expressive Arts, Reflections on a lecture by Steve Munby organised Alban Teaching School Alliance
All too often we are searching for perfection in our personal and professional lives. As a leader this is no different. Is highlighting an area of development seen as a weakness? Would my team have faith in me? Do I want to show others my faults? Instead, should we celebrate imperfect leadership?
According to Steve Munby (previous Chief Executive National College of Leadership and then Education Development Trust) we should do just that. An eternal pursuit for perfection is not good for our physical and mental well-being and in turn doesn’t empower others in our teams.
Steve Munby highlighted ten qualities of Imperfect Leaders in his recent lecture.
Imperfect Leaders:
- Are self aware of both strengths and weaknesses
A leader is not just self aware of their own skill set but also knows when to adapt their leadership styles and change dependent on the context or the skills that may be required. A great leader knows when to change to manage an individual’s performance.
2. Know their weaknesses and appoint others who can do what you can’t. An effective team requires members to have different skill sets and a great leader doesn’t have to have all the answers. The knowledge or skills needed could come from others at varying stages of their careers.
3. Empower others. A great team needs balance, and, believe it or not leaders do not know all the answers. By ensuring the team fulfils all roles you promote collective responsibility thus empowering your team members.
That being said empowerment relies on trust; trust that those you delegate to have have the skills set, the same vision and level of accountability that is required. All great teams are built on the foundations of trust. The question leaders face is how to get everyone there?
4. Are invitational. All great leaders ask for help when needed and should have a mentor they can go to regardless of their role and experience. Even the best Headteachers have mentors and advisories.
5. Acknowledge their mistakes. A fear of failure leads to great leadership.
6. Are more likely to show empathy. A great leader shows both power and love. They do not lower expectations but know others work, understand and value it.
7. Make public promises. This ensures that you deliver what you intend to.
8. Are learners. The best leaders learn from their mistakes, reflect and try better next time.
9. Encourage others to step up to leadership. By understanding that no one is the finished product you see potential in others, giving them confidence to step up into leadership roles.
10. Are authentic. If your team see you as being honest and believable, they are more likely to follow you in your vision and expectations resulting in a successful team.
(Steve’s book ‘Imperfect Leadership’ is available for pre order from Crown House Publishing)
NBS Teaching & Learning 