Shaping the Future: Leadership in a Time of Change ??????

Education is always evolving, but lately, the pace of change has felt different. For many of our colleagues, it’s been immense, even disorienting. The old ways of leading and teaching are fading—some might say they’re being erased entirely.

Dr Sharon Blackie (I am reading and LOVING her book Hagitude at the moment!), writing about menopause—a transition as profound as any—says it well: "All times of transition are a time between stories; when the old story fades and a new one is waiting to emerge."

This period of disruption feels unsettling. When structures shift and the familiar disappears, it’s easy to focus on what’s been lost. Not this! or Let’s go back! may be our initial, and strong reactions, but they are not the fertile ground from which a new and compelling story will grow.

In this space of transition, it's time for our focus to shift from What are we losing? to What is emerging? And more importantly—How will we, as leaders, have a hand in constructing the new story, co-creating the future of education? ?

This question of co-authoring the future is a crucial one and I know school leaders are grappling with it at the moment; how do we get on board with system-wide changes in approach and maintain the unique identity of our schools? How do we preserve and celebrate our strengths amidst increasing centralisation?

Margaret Wheatley reminds us: We must slow down. We must slow down enough to notice where we are and where we are going. We must slow down enough to reflect on what matters most. Reflection isn’t a luxury in times of transition—it’s a leadership imperative. If we don’t pause to reimagine what’s next, we risk being passive characters in a story written by others.

So, Leader, will you create space to slow down and lead with intention? To reflect, to reimagine, to contribute meaningfully to the new narrative being written?

What kind of story will you help shape?

Go well, lead well this week,

Katrina

P.S. Last week I put out 10 coaching spots for leaders, ?there are 4 left - hit reply if you’d like to make one yours! Coaching is a great way to slow things down and make time for reflection ;)

#EducationalLeadership #LeadershipReflection #GroundedLeadership #KatrinaBourke