Is there a handbook for that?

Looking back, there have been a few key events in my life where, at the outset, I've felt totally out of my depth and desperately wanted access to the handbook.

One of them was the first night at home with our daughter. After the longest of nights, I remember asking the health visitor why no-one had come up with an all-inclusive, platinum standard, overnight service to new parents.

It was disappointing when she didn't leap in with a kind offer to take over the very next night. Apparently, for the right money the service does exist but, she assured me earnestly, I really wouldn't want to miss the experience. For some time, I think I'd have paid any amount of money just to have some sleep and would happily have dodged the 'experience’. *

Another time I wanted the handbook was when I was told I had been successful at interview for my first deputy headteacher role. Within about 20 minutes of receiving the fantastic news, I was searching online book stores for the equivalent of a Haynes manual on school leadership. Years later, I still have my copy of "Mastering Deputy Headship". 

The book, whilst being well-written and informative, did not really apply to the various worries and concerns I had. It did not help me to recognise what I was doing well or where my gaps were. It didn't help me to plan the development I needed at the stage I was at. Maybe I just wasn't ready for 'mastering' the role and what I really needed was something more bespoke such as coaching or mentoring. 

Now, when I am working with newly promoted professionals, we take the specific issues they want to explore and come up with strategies and solutions to move them past the worries that can plague those in a new role. It's not the generic advice given in a book, instead the support is tailored to them, which is just one reason why it works so well.

What about you? When have you wished for the handbook?

* Regarding the first night home with a baby; from the safe vantage point of 11 years later, the experience was not that bad...and I'm so glad now that I didn't sub-contract!