At the executive level, where systemic decisions ripple across schools, staff, and students, wise compassion is a leadership necessity. When embedded in the relational fabric of educational leadership, it fosters psychological safety, enhances performance, strengthens culture, and drives values-aligned change. 

Leading beyond the processes means focusing on the people, values, and broader purpose of education. Recently we asked “What Are Your Top 3 Leadership Words?” - a tough question to answer. There were a range of responses but several key themes emerged: trust, vision, empathy and communication (which encompasses a whole host of leadership qualities!). Unsurprisingly no-one responded with anything that was process or operationally focused. People want leaders that can lead people.