A continuación, te explicamos cómo puedes mejorar tu éxito como líder educativo a través de una toma de decisiones eficaz.

Collaborating with your team not only positions you as a leader but also enriches your skill set and broadens your perspective by exposing you to ideas you might not have considered. Working closely with colleagues at various levels allows you to recognise unique skills in others that can enhance both your department and the overall workplace. Additionally, teamwork lightens your workload and strengthens your professional relationships, paving the way for greater success.

Evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs is essential to ensure that they meet their objectives and provide real value to students. By collecting and analyzing data on student participation, learning outcomes, and participant feedback, leaders can determine which programs are performing well and which need adjustments. This information allows for continuous improvements and the adaptation of programs to the changing needs of students and the educational community. Furthermore, ongoing evaluation of programs ensures that resources are used efficiently and that the positive impact on students is maximized.

Community- One thing I would add is understanding that school leadership involves plenty of stakeholders. Does this decision support the community at large and its needs? In addition, a strong leader is able to collect both qualitative and quantitative data to inform decisions- it’s not just about numbers. The qualitative data and case studies are incredibly important to the decision making process.

I am a reflective practitioner and greatly value learning from my experiences. A quote that resonates with me is: "Reflective practice is not just a tool for improving performance, but a process that fosters self-awareness and empowerment. It turns experience into insight." - Unknown. This approach has been crucial in my personal and professional development, enhancing my communication with both pupils and staff. It has enabled me to successfully lead SEND departments. By reflecting on my years in education, assessing what has worked and what hasn’t, I am now able to lead and collaborate effectively as a SEND consultant. Without continual reflection, recognising my triumphs, and addressing my mistakes, I wouldn't be the person I am today.

Make time to 'put your mask on first.' As education leaders, we often prioritise everyone else, from pupils to staff, while neglecting our own well-being. The norm of working long hours, bringing out our laptops in the evenings and weekends, and responding to emails during holidays can lead us to overlook our social, emotional, and mental health. Remember to schedule time for yourself, spend it with family and friends, and heed the wise words of my grandmother: 'Tomorrow is another day!'

Another important thing for educational leaders is to be open to new ideas and feedback from others. Sometimes, people around them might have good suggestions or different perspectives that can help make better decisions. Leaders can ask for opinions and listen carefully to what others have to say. This way, they can consider different viewpoints and make decisions that benefit everyone involved. Being open-minded and willing to learn from others can make a big difference in how successful their decisions turn out to be.