What do you see?
Imagine holding up a sheet of paper with a small dot in one corner and asking, “What do you see?”
Whenever I’ve done this exercise with groups, the vast majority highlight the dot, while few, if any, mention the vast, empty space surrounding the dot.
As Headteachers, we often find ourselves in a similar situation. Our attention is drawn to the immediate challenge, our DOT. It might be a struggling pupil, conflict among staff, attendance concerns, or the pressure of an unexpected inspection. These dots command our focus, and rightly so. But let’s pause for a moment to consider the bigger picture.
The purpose of this exercise is to remind us that while challenges are inevitable, they should not overshadow the good that surrounds us every day, like the vast, empty space surrounding the dot on our sheet of paper. A positive, solution-focused coaching approach mirrors this perspective: it encourages us to recognise the potential, strengths, and resources that already exist within us and around us, even when the challenges seem daunting.
Why Focus Matters
When we focus solely on our dot – the problem – it can make us feel stressed, overwhelmed, and as though everything is falling apart. Dwelling only on what’s wrong narrows our perspective, creating frustration and a sense of helplessness.
In contrast, focusing on the vast space surrounding our dot – the positives and opportunities -fosters gratitude, hope, and a sense of possibility. Shifting attention to what is working well aligns with the principles of solution-focused coaching, where the emphasis is on building on strengths rather than fixating on weaknesses. This shift not only lightens the mental load but also empowers us to find creative and constructive ways forward, and builds our resilience.
A Coaching Mindset for Headteachers
In your role as a Headteacher, this means:
(1) Recognising and Celebrating the Vast Space around your Dot.
Look beyond the challenges and identify the many achievements, the amazing growth, and the remarkable progress happening in your school. A ‘Coach Approach’ mindset encourages leaders to focus on the positives, i.e. the vast space around the dot. This reframing helps create the energy needed to tackle the challenges.
(2) Seeing the Dot for What It Is.
Leadership is difficult, complex and messy! Confronting problems is an inevitable part of leadership, but a solution-focused approach encourages you to define your challenges clearly without magnifying them. By asking questions like:
- “What outcome are we looking for?”
- “How else could this be addressed?”
- “What could be 5 effective ways to improve this?” etc
…you can reframe the issue as an opportunity for growth and action.
(3) Celebrating the Dot.
A solution-focused coaching mindset reframes problems as challenges that bring their own valuable learning experiences. These moments push us to be creative, innovate and grow, both as individuals and as leaders. By embracing the Dot as part of the bigger picture, you can extract its lessons and use them to guide your school toward success.
Shifting Your Perspective
When you apply these principles, you’ll begin to see your leadership through a much more balanced lens. It’s not about ignoring challenges, but about approaching them with positivity and a focus on solutions.
So remember to keep your focus on the bigger picture – the Vast Space. This will shift your perspective and make you feel better! With a solution-focused mindset, you’ll not only find the strength to tackle the inevitable Dots, you’ll also use your abundant creativity to find solutions that lead your school into brighter spaces.
Now it’s your turn…
- How could you incorporate this ‘coaching mindset’ into your leadership?
- How could you help yourself and your staff to reframe the ‘Dots’?
- How could you celebrate the ‘Vast Spaces’ in your school even more?
We’d LOVE to go on this journey with you.
>> Book in a phone appointment here for whatever time suits you best – and we’ll give you some more practical tips.
We look forward to seeing you pop up on our calendar soon! 🙂