Books that Lead

Essential Lessons for Building a Stronger School Culture

I was recently scrolling through X and came across an article I had written for WomenEd on leadership (linked below) this prompted me with some thoughts on the different books that have shaped my own leadership journey. Three titles stand out, each offering a unique lens on effective leadership. Here are the core takeaways from Headstrong by Dame Sally Coates, Reconnect by Doug Lemov, and Radical Candor by Kim Scott. I hope these books resonate with you as much as they did with me:

Headstrong by Dame Sally Coates

Coates champions resilience and positivity. Her call for ‘unapologetically high expectations’ reminds us that, as leaders, we set the tone for our teams. Whether it’s student achievement or staff development, her message is clear: optimism and determination can drive real change, even in the face of challenges.

Takeaway: Hold steadfastly to your vision for excellence, and inspire those around you to aim higher.

Reconnect by Doug Lemov

In Reconnect, Lemov and team focus on the human element of leadership, especially post pandemic. He stresses the importance of rebuilding trust and showing up for our teams with empathy. His insights remind us that great leadership is about supporting people as individuals, not just as professionals.

Takeaway: Prioritise personal connection. Taking time to listen and understand can empower and importantly elevate your team.

Radical Candor by Kim Scott

Scott’s concept of Radical Candor, caring personally while challenging directly, transforms feedback from a source of anxiety into a tool for growth. In a school setting, where time is scarce and stakes are high, transparent communication and trust can make all the difference.

Takeaway: Give honest, constructive feedback with compassion, making space for both personal growth and professional accountability.

Reflections

Leading isn’t about perfection; it’s about intention. As educators, we're constantly learning, adapting, and refining how we lead. By setting high expectations, nurturing empathy, and honest communication, we not only become better leaders ourselves but also empower others to lead alongside us. Here's to leading with purpose, one lesson and one conversation at a time.

I hope these snapshots into my insights on leadership inspire you to explore these books and consider how their lessons might shape your approach to School Culture.

References

Hussain, M., 2023. Reflections on Leadership especially when new in role. WomenEd Blogs. Available at: https://womened.com/blog/reflections-on-leadership-especially-when-new-in-role [Accessed 7 November 2024].

Coates, S., 2015. Headstrong: 11 Lessons of School Leadership. London: John Catt Educational.

Lemov, D., 2021. Reconnect: Building School Culture for Meaning, Purpose, and Belonging. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Scott, K., 2017. Radical Candor: How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean. London: Pan Macmillan.