Leadership Lessons in Education: A Journey Through the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future
In our recent linkedIn post we asked what lessons your ghosts from Christmas past, present and future would teach you, we ourselves found it to be a lovely reflective activity (albeit quite a challenge to be specific!) so we thought it would be fitting to do a follow-up blog as we lead into the Christmas and New Year break. Sticking with the theme of ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens, we take a deeper look at what broader lessons Education Leaders and society more widely can take from looking through the symbolic lens of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future…
Education is a ‘wicked problem’.
This is because it is a complicated entity; and it is such for many reasons. Wicked problems have multiple root causes; they have multiple symptoms; they have multiple solutions and as such it makes them incredibly challenging to solve, if in fact, they ever can be solved in their entirety. What makes them ever more challenging is that they themselves are constantly evolving and changing as are the causes, symptoms and solutions.
Education is therefore a perfect example of a “wicked problem”. Everyone alive today has some experience of the education system; whether it be short-lived or a life-times worth, positive or traumatic, typical or complicated and therefore everyone has thoughts on what works and what doesn’t.
The influence of an individual’s education on them in astronomical; not least becuase education is the foundation of society, shaping generations and influencing the trajectory of our world. So how can we as education leaders in particular look at the wicked problem of education and begin to tease out golden solutions that are pre-emptive, effective and sustainable? Just as Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation offers lessons on accountability, empathy, and foresight; we can learn from this narrative to ensure our influence on education is positive, impactful, and enduring.
The Ghost of Christmas Past: Reflecting on History
The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge on a journey through his memories, showing him how his past shaped who he became. Similarly, education leaders must reflect on the past to understand the roots of current challenges and successes. This reflection can serve as a guide for progress and innovation.
1. Understanding the Legacy of Education
For better or worse, our education system has been profoundly shaped by it’s historical, political and cultural context. For the UK, the class-based structures of Victorian schools and influence of education models from colonial settings have often reinforced class divisions and given limited access to students of lower socio-economic backgrounds. Similarly, standardised testing (originating in the 19th century to meet industrial-age priorities) continues to be the default practice across the education sector. Whilst there is a growing network calling for more creativity and adaptability in education, change here remains slow to catch-on. Reflecting on how our current systems and practices have originated can help us better consider its relevance now and for leaders to critically assess these inherited practices in meeting the diverse needs of today’s learners and indeed the fast-paced world we live in today.
2. Learning from Past Leadership Practices
There are historical figures in education from across the world including, Maria Montessori, John Dewey and A.S Neill to name but a few who have offered transformational insights into alternative pedagogies that emphasise student agency and experiential learning. Similarly Rab Butler’s Education Act of 1944 set the stage for universal secondary education at a time where it was typical for children to leave school aged 14. This reflected a vision of equity and access to ensure that more young people experienced a fuller and richer education. Revisiting the actions of these education pioneers reminds us of the power of learner-centred approaches and the value of education regardless of ability or background.
The additional challenge we have today is addressing the rapid changes around the globe; in a world where information is readily available at the click of a button we are navigating unchartered waters in terms of what people now need from their education in order to flourish. Education leaders must ask themselves:
What worked in the past, and why?
How can we adapt these ideas to meet today’s challenges?
What do young people truly need from their education now and in the future?
How can we adapt principles to address contemporary issues?
3. Recognising Mistakes and Gaps
Throughout history education systems have grappled with systemic inequities and exclusion. The legacy of segregation in schools for children with special educational needs and disabilities is fortunately now no secret and the historic marginalisation of girls in STEM subjects is now far less common. These serve as stark reminders of the damage caused by such exclusionary practices and yet, there are many practices still occurring despite this increased awareness. Individuals of particular socio-economic status and ethnic backgrounds face access inequalities or substandard quality education. We must continue to acknowledge our mistakes and gaps in our practice and services. Change is difficult to implement, but it must happen so that biases and barriers are actively dismantled.
The Ghost of Christmas Present: Leading in the Here and Now
The Ghost of Christmas Present reveals to Scrooge the reality of those around him, exposing their struggles and joys. For education leaders, this ghost represents the importance of situational awareness, empathy and climate. The present moment demands leadership that are responsive to their context and the individuals within it. This requires leaders who understand themselves, their values, purpose, strengths and areas for development so that they are in a position of strength to support others to do the same.
1. Self-awareness
Leaders who are self-aware are receptive to recognising their own strengths, weaknesses, biases and emotional triggers. This empowers them to make thoughtful decisions, build trusting relationships and adapt their leadership appropriately for others.
2. Listening to Stakeholders
Effective leaders prioritise listening and instead of making assumptions gather information from those around them to inform their thinking. The voices of students, parents, and teachers are invaluable in shaping policies and practices and identifying areas in need of change.
Is there a healthy climate within the organisation?
Are all stakeholders flourishing?
How can we improve our current systems and practices?
Leaders must create channels for open feedback and act on it to build trust and community, this promotes a healthy working climate and through established practices, becomes part of the cultural fabric of the organisation. Leaders who are highly aware of themselves are more likely to recognise the impact of their decisions and behaviours on others. By valuing feedback and remaining open to different perspectives, self-aware leaders can better adapt strategies and practices to address the needs and priorities of their community and create a culture of mutual respect and shared purpose.
3. Prioritising and Having a Clear Sense of Direction
The world is evolving rapidly, and education leaders must adapt to these changes to remain relevant. But where do we start? The present moment in education is marked by calls for greater equity. Issues such as the digital divide, the rise of technology in classrooms, unequal funding, mental health, societal expectations and racial inequities require leaders to be flexibly responsive. They must not shy away from innovation while ensuring that new methods are inclusive and effective.
This can feel particularly overwhelming. However just as Scrooge saw the vibrancy of life he was missing out on as a result of his narrow focus; Leaders must expand their view to explore what is of most importance to their community and combine this with the values, purpose, mission and vision of their organisation to guide them in their present focus. At the very least, it’s a good place to start. As Scrooge found out, it’s never too late to reassess and realign your priorities. Small changes can lead to profound transformations.
4. Supporting Others
The Ghost of Christmas Present also emphasises the importance of compassion. Addressing burnout, ensuring professional development opportunities, and fostering a culture of appreciation are essential for others to feel valued and part of an organisation. Embracing routines and habits that prioritise staff well-being, work-life balance through reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and creating collaborative environments where educators feel heard and valued significantly enhance morale and engagement. Encouraging regular-check-ins, offering different support options and providing opportunities and resources empower staff. Where staff feel appreciated and empowered, they are better equipped to contribute positively to the climate leading to improved outcomes across the board.
5. Modeling
All of the above leads into Leaders as key role models. By modelling the target behaviours and practices of the culture and showing empathy toward their communities; Leaders create a cycle of positive influence and reciprocal support. The actions of leaders set the tone for the organisation where values and purpose is actively practiced and experienced within the organisation’s climate. When leaders exemplify the qualities they wish to see, they inspire their teams to not only embrace those values but also contribute to create an enriched and sustained culture. As Scrooge learns from the ghost, leadership isn't just about being an authority figure - it's about being human.
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: Envisioning the Future
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come offers the most sobering lesson. For Scrooge, it is a glimpse into a grim future if he continues his selfish ways. For education leaders, this ghost symbolizes the need for visionary leadership and long-term planning. The decisions made today will shape the future of countless students, communities, and the wider world.
1. Anticipating Future Challenges Sustainably
What will education look like in ten, twenty, or fifty years?
Forward-thinking leaders must anticipate challenges and prepare students with the skills and resilience they will need to flourish in an ever changing world. As society shifts toward continuous innovation, the traditional model of education as a one-time preparation for adulthood is becoming obsolete. Leaders must promote lifelong learning and plan for the long-term, emphasising adaptability and critical thinking. Partnerships with industries, universities, and communities can create enduring ecosystems where learning never ends.
2. Nurturing Future Leaders
Great leadership creates great leaders. Education leaders must cultivate the next generation of leaders among students and staff. Present actions (see above section) set the stage for the future.
Leadership Transformation: Lessons from Scrooge
Scrooge’s transformation from a miserly, self-centered man to a generous, compassionate individual is the heart of the story. Education leaders, too, can undergo and lead transformations when they reflect on the past, act in the present, and envision the future.
1. Reflect, Learn, and Reimagine
Like Scrooge, leaders must be willing to confront and learn from uncomfortable truths about their past decisions and actions so that they can reimagine and move forward.
2. Balance Urgency with Vision
The present demands action, but the future requires vision. Education leaders must strike a balance between addressing immediate needs and laying the groundwork for transformative, long-term solutions.
3. Foster a Culture of Generosity and Collaboration
Scrooge’s greatest lesson is that generosity enriches everyone. Similarly, education leaders who invest in their staff and students will foster environments where everyone flourishes. Leadership is not about holding power but about empowering others.
In Conclusion
The journey of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future serves as a powerful metaphor for leadership in education. Reflecting on the past provides context and understanding. Acting in the present demonstrates empathy and responsiveness. Envisioning the future ensures sustainability and innovation.
Education leaders have the power to transform lives, communities, and ultimately the world. Like ‘A Chrismas Carol’, their transformation can inspire generations.
If you are interested in reading more about how our current education system can be reinvented and how we might approach the ‘wicked problem’ of education - we highly recommend reading ‘Reinventing Education: Beyond the Knowledge Economy’ co-written by Dr Alan Watkins and Dr Matt Silver! Use the code ‘REINVENT25’ for an exclusive discount!
If you are interested in exploring cutting edge coaching or team opportunities further for either yourself or your team and the benefits it can offer more widely for your organisation, we would be delighted to discuss options further. Please book a discovery call or contact us at info@glasshouselab.com.
You can also sign up to our newsletter to stay in touch.