Middle Leaders and Aspiring Middle Leaders 1

Aims for the course This course is for current and aspiring middle leaders who have not undertaken external middle leadership training. The sessions will link the theoretical principles to practice, so you can integrate your learning into your current strategic practice and job roles.

Objectives for this session To explore the differences between leadership and management To consider some models of leadership and leadership styles To identify key characteristics of effective leaders

Leadership Delegation, yet maintain overview of vision Influence Up = SLT Across = CLs Down = NQTs

Aspects of the middle leader role Direction setting Leading the way Inspire & Motivate Knowing the right things to do Following the agreed path Doing the right things Tidying the path Maintaining processes and systems Doing things

Thinking about your current role, what sort of tasks do you carry out under the 3 different headings? Path making Knowing the right things to do LEADERSHIP Path following Doing the right things MANAGEMENT Path tidying Doing things ADMINISTRATION

As a leader, you are expected to manage some, if not all of these Priorities Timetable Time People Resources Information

One strategy to help manage time & priorities… URGENT NOT URGENT IMPORTANT Emergencies Deadlines Planned meetings Complaints Planning, preparation Research, thinking Networking NOT IMPORTANT Ad-hoc interruptions Finding solutions for others Comfort activities Over-long breaks Unnecessary ‘tidying’ Over production

Personal reflection Based on your own experiences, whom have you admired as a ‘leader’? What qualities did they possess?

Structures and systems Retention of staff Professional development Effective leaders need a high level of self-awareness of their own skills and areas for development. NCSL identified 5 characteristics and 7 strategies used by effective middle leaders: Characteristics of… Strategies of… A focus on learning Consistency Care Commitment High expectations Modelling Monitoring Dialogue Structures and systems Retention of staff Professional development Culture Which of these, for you, are well-established? present, but not consistent? an area for development?

Hay / McBer Leadership Styles – 6 models used by NCSL Coercive / Directive Authoritative / Visionary Affiliative Democratic Pacesetting Coaching

Emotional Intelligence Keys to success Self-awareness confident,; honest; not ruled by their emotions Self-regulation Mindful, not impulsive; integrity; comfortable with change Motivation Focused on long term success; love a challenge Empathy Ability to recognise feelings of others; open, honest listeners Social skills Easy to talk to; team player; help others shine; build and maintain relationships Emotional Intelligence

Next steps Complete the audit, reflecting on your leadership Access this link and explore Leadership and You and Leadership Theories http://forms.ncsl.org.uk/mediastore/image2/lgresources/lskills/bbcpl/ncsl.htm What do you find to interest you? How are you a Bridge