The Unsung Hero of School Leadership: The Power of Listening

by LYIS

When we think about school leadership, the usual suspects come to mind: vision, discipline, innovation, and maybe even a touch of charisma, that special ‘x factor’ that you can’t fake. It is none of these I want to consider in this article but another crucial aspect that often gets overlooked, which can make or break a school leader’s success: the power of listening.

Why Listening Matters

Listening is like the secret ingredient in a recipe. You might not notice it when it’s there, but you’ll definitely miss it when it’s not. As a school leader, the ability to listen can do many things – listen well if you want to successfully integrate a new strategy, because if you don’t understand how your plans impact others you’ll fall flat quickly, or waste valuable time and money navigating roads which don’t been to be travelled. If you want to foster relationships listen properly, don’t head nod if you don’t mean it! Understand how the people in your communities think and act, so you can get the best from them and help them individually to align with the direction you are leading in. You are not going to improve outcomes for the whole community if you don’t understand those within it. As Stephen R Covey rightly put it, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”

Covey’s words ring especially true in a school setting. Teachers, pupils, and parents all have unique perspectives and valuable insights. By genuinely listening, leaders can address concerns much more effectively and create a more inclusive and supportive environment. You can’t understand what you don’t know. Listening is an art form. Practice and reflection are needed. It involves understanding emotions and intentions. It’s about making people feel valued and respected.

Do you as a leader do the following consistently and often enough?

Be Present: Put away distractions. Yes, that means your phone too. Show that you are fully engaged in the conversation.

Ask Questions: Show interest by asking follow-up questions. This not only clarifies points but also shows that you care.

Reflect and Summarise: Repeat back what you’ve heard to ensure understanding. This can prevent miscommunications and show that you are paying attention. “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” – Epictetus

Imagine a scenario where a teacher is struggling with a new curriculum, classroom management issues or work-life balance. Instead of jumping in with solutions, a good leader would first listen to the teacher’s concerns. Maybe the issue isn’t the curriculum itself but the lack of resources or support, maybe you are expecting them to work in environments they have no experience in, and it’s daunting. Perhaps they need help adjusting to the expectations of the workplace or have issues at home that need to be worked through. It is essential that you understand how to get the best from them and support them. By listening, the leader can address the root cause rather than just the symptom, ultimately saving valuable time and preventing the wrong turns from being taken.

A second scenario. Consider a student who is consistently late to school. Instead of immediate disciplinary action, a leader who listens might discover underlying issues at home or with transportation. This empathetic approach can lead to more effective and compassionate solutions and positive outcomes for all.

In a leadership position, failing to listen can have dire consequences. Leaders who do not pay attention to their team, customers, or market trends often make decisions based on outdated or incorrect information. This can lead to a lack of innovation, decreased morale, and ultimately, the failure of the organisation. For instance, a leader who ignores feedback from their team may miss out on valuable insights that could improve processes or products. Similarly, disregarding customer feedback can result in products that do not meet market needs, leading to a decline in sales and market share.

Several famous companies have faced significant downfalls because they didn’t listen to the market. Kodak, for example, the once giant of the photographic film industry failed to embrace the digital revolution despite having the technology to do so. Their reluctance to shift focus from film to digital photography led to their bankruptcy in 2021. Blockbuster, dominated the video rental market but did not adapt to the rise of digital streaming. Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph recalls a meeting in 2000 when Blockbuster executives “laughed us out of the room” when Netflix proposed a partnership or acquisition for a reported $50 million. This decision is often cited as a significant missed opportunity. Netflix is now worth billions of dollars, while Blockbuster filed for bankruptcy in 2010. Blockbuster’s failure to listen to changing consumer preferences resulted in its eventual demise.

In leadership, we spend most of our time with our teams, and they filter the institution to us. Great leaders make sure they know what everyone is thinking and experiencing. For example, the school receptionist serves as crucial eyes and ears of the institution. They are often the first point of contact for pupils, parents, and visitors, giving them a unique perspective on the daily happenings and concerns within the school. They can provide valuable insights into the school’s atmosphere, identify emerging issues, and relay feedback from the community. By listening to the receptionist, you can stay informed on the school’s pulse from an important but different angle.

Do you purposefully find time to listen to your newly qualified teachers? They bring fresh perspectives and innovation as they are up-to-date with the latest educational theories and practices. Their enthusiasm and new approaches can invigorate the learning environment, benefiting both pupils and staff. By valuing their input, leadership can foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth, ensuring that the school remains dynamic and responsive to educational advancements.

Similarly, new recruits who have worked elsewhere bring a wealth of experience and diverse viewpoints that should be listened to. They offer insights into different educational systems and practices, highlighting what has worked well in other institutions. This can help the school adopt best practices and avoid potential pitfalls. Additionally, these recruits can provide a fresh assessment of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, offering constructive feedback that long-standing staff might overlook. They may even remind you how well you do things when you compare them against other places…always a nice moment for any leader! By listening to diverse sets of voices, you can ensure that the school benefits from a broad range of experiences and ideas, ultimately enhancing the quality of experience provided to the pupils.

As Ernest Hemingway famously said “I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.” Hemingway might have been onto something. In a world full of noise, being the one who truly listens can set you apart as a leader. In the hustle and bustle of school life, it’s easy to overlook the power of listening. Reflect on your ability to listen, make a conscious effort to listen more and speak less, and examine the impact. Next time you’re in a meeting or a casual conversation, remember sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is nothing at all.

Happy listening, and may your schools thrive with the quiet noise of understanding and empathy.

Anna Peak is the Deputy Head (Pastoral) and DSL, Shrewsbury School, England

LYIS is committed to providing expert guidance on all aspects of international school leadership. Our Leading Your International School Awards 2025 are now open. To nominate someone who has made an outstanding contribution to Ethical Leadership, Leadership for Opportunity or Sustainability, nominate them here

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