Wednesday’s Word of the Week - Bravery
Wednesday’s Word of the Week
Bravery
The last two weeks have been dominated by the news updates on the Black Lives Matter protests both at home and afar. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, many thousands of people descended on London and across the country to show their support.
Taking a stand takes bravery. We have seen and heard about many acts of courage since the start of the pandemic, people confronting their fears and behaving boldly. Perhaps this is why so many people feel confident enough now to speak out. Brands, previously not known for forthright plain speaking, such as Yorkshire Tea and PG Tips, are now taking to twitter to confront those who have commented negatively about the BLM movement. People from all walks of life now confidently standing together to demand the removal of tributes to founders they now find offensive. Bravery is found too in the police and emergency services who attend the protests, despite being in the line of fire.
All this happening as schools are bravely trialling a staged return and our teaching staff, parents and pupils are bravely testing their new normal in an effort to move to the next stage.
Battles are being fought in the independent education sector too, with a reported 30% of independent schools likely to close in the next 12 months, many as a direct result of the pressures the pandemic has bought about. However, those who are brave enough to look at fundamental changes to the way they operate, may just win the day.
Leadership often requires you to making bold and often unpopular decisions. It takes courage. The courage of confidence in others, letting go of the need to control situations or outcomes, having faith in people and being open to direction and change.
The current climate calls for bravery across the board. Those who face job losses, businesses whose finances are on the brink, and those still at risk and facing their fears daily to support others, are examples to us all.
Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters - Dau Voire.
Headspace Academics; fresh thinking. Helping school leaders to bravely seek solutions to their school’s long-term security.