Gain educational leadership insights from Sir Chris Husbands

In our latest #EdInfluence podcast episode, Sir Chris Husbands delves into the intricate relationship between leadership and storytelling, offering listeners a captivating narrative about his own professional journey.

Husbands, an accomplished former Vice-Chancellor and an influential figure at Higher Futures, shares with Nick MacKenzie how a seemingly simple question from a curious student sparked a lifelong commitment to seeing the world through diverse perspectives. He tells us:

"Although I ended up running universities, my earliest career was teaching in urban comprehensive schools. I taught History and I can remember teaching a bottom set the class are drawing and labelling a picture of a medieval monastery and this kid, Mark, sticks his hand up and says: “here, sir, uh, what did they use for bog paper?” And I thought I had the answer to this, so I said: “well, Mark, they used leaves.” And he said “…and what did they use in the winter, then? Holly?!” 

Sir Chris cites this experience as an important reminder that when you're running organisations and when you're operating in the education space, you've got to spend a bit of time building an imaginative connection with people who look at the world differently.

This story is not just an anecdote but a testament to the power of curiosity in transforming leadership. As Husbands discusses, storytelling provides leaders with a framework to connect with their teams, offering fresh contexts and insights that can navigate them through challenges.

The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), a critical initiative in the UK aimed at enhancing teaching quality in universities. Husbands discusses the parallels between TEF and Ofsted inspections in schools, emphasising the importance of evaluating teaching standards to promote educational excellence.

The episode sheds light on how TEF, through student metrics and institutional submissions, has shifted the focus towards teaching quality, making it a strategic priority for university executives. This conversation underscores the necessity of moving beyond stereotypes to truly recognise excellence in education, ultimately impacting student engagement and institutional success.

The delicate balance between empowerment and agility

Flexibility and core values in leadership also feature prominently in the discussion. Husbands reflects on the need for leaders to be adaptable while maintaining their foundational principles.

Drawing inspiration from Charles Darwin's theories, he explores the delicate balance leaders must strike between empowerment and agility, always anchored by a strong moral foundation. This ongoing challenge of deciding when to centralise authority or delegate responsibilities, and when to support versus challenge a team, makes leadership a dynamic and engaging field. The episode encourages leaders to remain open to change while staying true to their core values.

Curiosity is crucial

The podcast further explores leadership traits, with curiosity highlighted as a crucial attribute. Husbands argues that successful leadership can vary significantly depending on the environment. He illustrates this point with anecdotes from the realms of education and sports, highlighting how adaptability and a keen sense of curiosity can lead to effective leadership.

Drawing inspiration from ‘The West Wing’

The discussion also touches on how inspiration for leadership can come from unexpected sources, such as political dramas like ‘The West Wing’ and interactions with diverse individuals. Husbands emphasises the importance of maintaining a 'black box' to jot down insights, a practice that has served him well in his career.

Finally, the episode examines the elements of engaging leadership, focusing on purpose, people, and performance. Husbands shares personal experiences from his leadership roles, highlighting the challenges and strategies in effectively communicating with large teams. Techniques like ‘Random Coffee’ sessions and weekly video messages were utilised to foster connection and communication, demonstrating the relentless effort required to maintain genuine engagement.

Continuous learning and reflection

The narrative concludes by emphasising the profound impact of educational opportunities on personal and societal development, urging leaders to remain committed to continuous learning and reflection.

This podcast episode is a rich tapestry of insights, stories, and reflections that offer valuable lessons for leaders and educational enthusiasts alike. Through Husbands' experiences and anecdotes, listeners are encouraged to embrace curiosity, adapt to changing landscapes, and prioritise genuine connections in their leadership journey.

Whether you're an educator, a leader, or simply someone interested in the intersection of storytelling and leadership, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

Hear directly from Sir Chris Husbands to gain further insights.

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