Who SCORES?

Last weekend I went on a ProGro through Naptosa, on 'Leading across all levels in a school', which was based on one of Ken Blanchard's books (I can't remember which one at this precise moment). Anyway, the weekend focussed on how to implement the Situational Leadership Model 2.

Essentially, I think the big thing that I took away with me from the weekend was that there are 4 main types of leadership styles, and there is a kind of formula that can tell you which one to apply (and how) in each situation. Thus, for each person you deal with, you will have to use all 4 leadership styles at different times, depending on the task that person is engaged with. Similarly, at one point in time you will have to use all 4 leadership styles to deal with different people engaged in the same task, depending on the developmental level of each person.

I know this may seem straightforward to you, but to hear it put quite so succinctly, and to discover that there is a formula that can help you to implement it, was rather a revelation for me.

So - now what? I'm not sure. I need to think about it a bit more, and then I need to try to implement it, I think. It helps that 2 of my colleagues were on the course with me, so I have someone to wink at when I say 'S1', for example.

The purpose of this leadership model is to help turn schools into what he terms are 'high performing schools'. High Performing Schools "SCORES". That is, they Share information and communicate, experience Ongoing learning, focus Relentlessly on the kids' results, have Energising systems and structures, have a Shared vision, and I can't remember the C one... when I do I'll add it here. (Was it Collaborate??)

Two of the other highlights for me were the luxury of the place (3 course meals at all meals and a 5 course meal on Sat evening, open fireplaces in all the rooms, a 4-poster bed, grounds that were just incredible, etc) and the Throne-room. I'll post a photo when I get a chance, but try to imagine a large wooden throne placed over one of the toilets (obviously with a hole cut in it!). It was something special to behold, and (thinking as a mother) would actually have a purpose in helping kids go to the loo as they could climb up easily and could hold onto the arm rests.... ANYWAY. There was also a BEAUTIFUL sunrise on the Sat morning, which I also took a photo of and will post when I get a chance.