Workload: The Leader as Model

Most school leaders worry more about their team's workload than their own. So when a deputy is the right person for a job, you do it yourself because they look busy. By 11 at night you still haven't touched the work only you can do.

A former headteacher who now coaches heads helps you look at that, so have a pen and paper ready. You'll notice what your body does when the load gets too much, name what you're afraid will happen if you say no, and practise saying it straight. You can say yes and do it badly at midnight, say yes and not do it, or say no and explain why.

You'll leave with a couple of small changes you've committed to. Tell your staff about them, because when they see you set a limit, they're more likely to set their own.