Summary of "NPQH Autumn 20 Keynote Andy Shakos Event 1"

Main Ideas and Concepts:

Introduction and Context:
- Andy Shakos delivers a keynote for NPQH induction, sharing personal experiences and reflections on headship.
- The talk focuses on the joys, challenges, responsibilities, and behaviors required in headship.
- Emphasizes self-awareness, values, and principles as foundational to effective leadership.
Personal Background and Motivation:
- Andy shares his family history, particularly his mother’s difficult upbringing and resilience, which shaped his values.
- He highlights the importance of working for an organization aligned with one’s values (he works for The Dean Trust, a multi-academy trust focused on disadvantaged communities).
- Uses personal stories (e.g., working in a fish and chip shop, learning French, family life) to illustrate lessons about hard work, humility, lifelong learning, and never saying “never.”
Why Teach and Why Lead:
- Teaching is about making a positive difference, continuous learning, and inspiring young people.
- Leadership expands the sphere of influence from individual classrooms to whole schools and communities.
- Headship requires resilience, passion, unconditional care, high expectations, and visible role modeling.
- Data should be used to ask questions and inform challenge, not to limit potential.
Key Leadership Lessons and Practices:
- Positive Memory Reference Points: Creating positive, personal interactions with students outside academic settings to build trust and open communication.
- Values and Standards: Holding high expectations for staff and students; “If it’s not good enough for my own children, it’s not good enough for anyone else’s.”
- Leadership Style: Open-door policy, high visibility, positive attitude, consistent communication of expectations.
- Managing Challenges: Address underperformance promptly; prefer face-to-face communication over emails for difficult conversations.
- Ego Management: Stay self-aware; be open to feedback and challenge; wrap up past successes and start fresh when moving to new roles.
- Humor and Positivity: Use humor and positivity to build relationships and resilience.
Impact of Leadership:
- Leadership affects colleagues, students, and the wider school community.
- Celebrating achievements publicly (e.g., “Colleague of the Week”) fosters a positive culture.
- Facilitating unique opportunities for students (e.g., building a racing car, creative projects) can inspire and open doors.
- Leaders must be cautious about public communications to avoid misunderstandings or controversies.
Stories of Impact on Individuals:
- Sinead: Inspired by being called a mathematician, went on to a successful career abroad.
- Tom: Formerly incarcerated student who achieved GCSEs and is now traveling and working abroad.
- George: Troubled student turned motivated drama enthusiast and community leader.
- Rob: A student who struggled but was appreciated for making math fun (though outcomes vary).
Core Messages:
- Never underestimate the lasting impact of positive words and actions.
- Always prioritize children’s welfare above all else.
- Leadership is a human endeavor requiring emotional honesty and support.
- The mood and behavior of the head teacher set the tone for the whole school.
- Continuous reflection on one’s values, behaviors, and impact is essential.

Detailed Bullet Points of Methodology / Key Tips for Successful Headship:

Understand Your Personal Motivations and Values:
- Reflect on your background and what drives you.
- Align with an organization that shares your values.
Maintain High Expectations and Consistency:
- Set and share clear aspirations for staff and students.
- Use data as a tool to challenge and support, not limit potential.
Build Positive Relationships:
- Create positive memory reference points with students.
- Be visible and approachable around the school.
- Celebrate achievements regularly and publicly.
Manage Staff Effectively:
- Trust, empower, support, and challenge your team.
- Address underperformance promptly and fairly.
- Encourage open communication and feedback.
Communicate Thoughtfully:
- Prefer face-to-face for challenging conversations.
- Consider tone and impact before responding to emails or texts.
Stay Self-Aware and Manage Your Ego:
- Know your strengths and weaknesses.
- Be open to challenge but firm when needed.
- Let go of past successes when moving roles; start fresh.
Lead with Care and Emotional Honesty:
- Recognize that leaders are human and need support.
- Show unconditional care for students.
- Model the behaviors and values you expect.
Use Humor and Positivity to Build Culture:
- Don’t be afraid to laugh and be human.
- Positivity is contagious and helps resilience.