Kinross Wolaroi Family Bulletin

Wellbeing

Mr Tom Riley

Student Leadership

Over the course of this term, our Senior Leadership Team and Wellbeing Team have been interviewing candidates for Leadership positions within the School, both for Prefects and House Captains. This has been difficult and daunting time for our Year 11s, yet whilst there were the obvious nerves during the interviews, it has been most pleasing to see so many students confidently put their hand up and want to be involved in influencing the culture of the School. 

 

In discussing how to influence culture, the recent article by Travis Bradberry titled ‘6 things great leaders do differently’, is a fantastic read for any aspirant leader. Travis highlights the work of legendary Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, in unpacking his leadership mantra of:

 

“Dream more than others think practical. Expect more than others think possible. Care more than others think wise.” 

 

For Bradberry, great leaders:

  1. Are kind without being weak. They make the decisions that need to be made, have the conversations that need to be had, and yet always consider the individual.
  2. They are strong without being harsh. They stay the course when the going gets tough and earn strength through demonstrating it in the face of adversity.
  3. They are confident without being cocky. Their confidence is contagious, yet it is backed by credible actions.
  4. They stay positive but remain realistic. They maintain forward momentum by effectively balancing optimism and realism.
  5. They are role-models not preachers. They inspire trust through action and not just word alone.
  6. They take responsibility for their team. Great leaders’ welcome criticism, cognitive dissonance, and encourage viewpoints other than their own.

Whilst we are in lockdown and have more time together, I strongly encourage you all to discuss some of the above and the wider topic of leadership characteristics over the coffee or dinner table. I am sure we would all agree that it is a perennial topic of regional, national, and global importance, none more so than now, and that we all have a part to play in developing the kind, strong, confident role-models of the future.