Episode Details

What does it mean to do the right work, in the right way?

It’s a question that has stayed with me throughout my own leadership journey.

In this episode of The Art of Teaching, I have the privilege of speaking with Professor Viviane Robinson about the ideas behind her book Virtuous Educational Leadership: Doing the Right Work the Right Way.

This is the third time I’ve had the opportunity to speak with Viviane, and each conversation has challenged me to think more carefully about leadership, decision-making and the impact we have on the people around us. I always come away with something new to reflect on and apply to my own practice.

Our conversation explores something that sits at the heart of leadership. Knowledge and skill matter, but so do our motives, our judgement and the kind of person we are becoming through the work.

Viviane challenges us to think carefully about what the “right work” of educational leadership looks like, the virtues that help us do that work well, and how those virtues are developed through the decisions and conversations that make up everyday school life.

We also talk about the difference between values and virtues, why good intentions are not always enough, and what it means to lead with courage, humility and care when the work becomes difficult.

This conversation gave me plenty to think about. It made me reflect on the decisions I make, the way I work with people and whether I am giving enough attention to how I lead, as well as what I am trying to achieve.

A thoughtful conversation for anyone trying to lead well, stay grounded and keep students at the centre of the work