Leadership: Priorities and Self-Awareness
by Simon Lee @edumrlee
In 2017, I took on my biggest professional challenge to date when I assumed my first headship at an international school in Malaysia. I had been working in international education for 10 years at that point and I was ready for the next big step. The school I inherited had been through a turbulent five years before I arrived, and there was a lot of work to do just to 'steady the ship'. I had the pleasure of working with a dedicated and committed team and I was proud of what we all achieved. However, after a couple of years in the role, I needed a new personal challenge and to live in a more vibrant city so, with a heavy heart, I resigned.
Following a relatively short application process, I was offered a Head of School position in Vietnam. Alarm bells began to ring for me throughout the interview process, but after asking a barrage of questions that were answered satisfactorily, I accepted.
Before you stop reading, this article is not to complain about the problems I faced in the role, but instead the way in which I overcame them and what I learned from the experience. Maybe it will resonate with some of you, either now or in the future. We are never alone.
I realised from day one that my instinct was correct. Aspects of the role were out of my control; the group had their own nuanced way of doing things and that was never going to change. Unlike what is expected from the Council of International Schools accreditation protocol, I was not ‘empowered to be the educational leader’. I found myself asking, “Is it me?”, and doubting my own educational philosophy, experience, and professionalism. Doing nothing and just putting up with it would have been the easy thing to do. After all, at least I was being paid, right?
However, the easy option isn't necessarily the best option. The team I was there to support and lead knew the difficulties I was facing and how powerless I was to affect any kind of change for the better. In addition to trying to make a difference for the students and staff, I fought my own internal battle as I came to terms with having made the career mistake that you think only other people make, whilst also worrying about the health of my elderly parents back in the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic. I realised that family and self must come first and, for the first time in my career I broke my contract and resigned but ensured I did so within the expectations of Vietnamese employment law.
If something is striking a chord with you, always leave a job in as a professional way as you can in order to retain your own integrity. It’s also a very small world out there.
Many people have suffered greatly during the pandemic and my experience simply does not compare. What I took away from my time in Vietnam centred around the importance of trusting one's gut and listening to your inner voice. We must prioritise what really matters, and only we know what that is. The adage in leadership that 'it's lonely at the top' is even more profound when you are in an unhappy place. I was fortunate to have the support and encouragement from two experienced and wise colleagues - they know who they are - who helped me through the difficult times.
My time in Vietnam reinforced my belief in the importance of taking your time to find allies at school whom you can trust. I have always believed that if it's meant to be, it will be. Que será. I've never been afraid to accept when something isn't working and to make a change. Life is too short, and we spend far too much time at work - especially as educators - to stay in a job that is affecting our mental health. This, in turn, affects your commitment and productivity and, ultimately, impacts your students’ progress. If your role or employer is out of alignment with your own personal values, the decision is made for you. Practice what we preach to our students and take a (calculated) risk occasionally.
Moving forward, returning to the UK in the midst of the ongoing global pandemic, finding a new, suitable role proved to be much harder than I imagined. My persistence paid off and I'm now waiting excitedly to begin a new senior role in China where I will join a reputable and professional group. Firstly, my advice to anyone considering working overseas is, simply, do it! Read the small print, do your research, and don't be afraid of taking what feels like a giant leap into the unknown.
Secondly, none of us have a crystal ball - or at least one that is reliable 100% of the time -, but if it feels right, it probably is. If you find out later that it isn't right, you know what to do. After 13 years overseas, I am very much looking forward to the next leg of my adventure. As humans, we are inherently resilient so just do what makes you feel happy.
Simon began his career in education teaching music in SEND and trained as a music therapist, going on to work with young and adult offenders, a broad range of mental health conditions and in diverse health and education contexts. Since 2007 he has held a variety of leadership roles in international schools around the globe and is passionate about inclusive and holistic education, and the social and emotional aspects of learning. Follow him @edumrlee and on LinkedIn.