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Leaders, What Are You Bestowing?

I recently listened to the audiobook version of Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. This book is a work of fiction that is not focused on leadership, and also does not fit into my usual crime novel genre that I read to break up my doctoral studies. That said, as I listened, I reflected on the way the story lends a beautiful lens through which we can reflect on education and leadership. Theo of Golden is a captivating (for me anyhow) story that follows Theo, an elderly man who arrives in the fictional town of Golden and begins buying and “bestowing” the portraits on display in a local coffee shop to the people depicted in them. I won’t give out any spoilers in case you choose to read it, but each bestowal opens up a story, builds connection, promotes healing and develops a sense of community.

One strong connection to education that stood out to me as I listened and reflected was Theo’s ability to truly see people, and to look past the superficial and see the virtues in them that they did not necessarily see themselves. Theo doesn’t try to fix, evaluate or advise the people he meets, he simply notices, shares and uplifts. In education, I feel that one of our most powerful leadership acts is that of truly seeing people. My goal as a leader has always been to support those around me to see their true potential and to help them grow, like others have done for me in the past (and are still doing, quite frankly!). Before we can lead any improvement work in our schools, and build or shift the culture, we have to really see the people in front of us; see the strengths they have, the load they may be carrying, the doubts they have about their own ability, and the vision they have for their future.

When we consider the portraits that Theo bestowed, it is a reminder that every person has a story, and everyone has potential that they may not even realise. Through our quiet everyday actions, we too can bestow the gift of confidence when someone doubts themselves, clarity when things feel messy, dignity when a conversation is difficult, belief when someone has lost sight of their own capacity, trust when we give people space to grow, and belonging when we make people feel seen, known and valued. Like Theo, we can be a mirror for our team by believing in them and showing them their true potential, all while supporting them to grow.

On reflection, Theo’s true gifts are not really the portraits he gives, as the deeper gift is the way each person is reminded that ‘your story matters’,’ you are worth noticing’ and’ you have not been forgotten’. Theo of Golden reminds us that leadership is not always loud (in fact, it rarely is), as often it begins with just taking time to notice and truly see others and help them see their own worth. Our work as leaders is not just to improve outcomes, but to build communities where the people on our team feel seen, known and strengthened. This novel invites us to remember that culture is created in small, intentional acts of care (where nothing is expected in return) and that these acts can ripple further than we realise.

My take-away from sharing in Theo’s story (other than I didn’t want it to end!) is that we can consider leadership as an act of bestowing. The truth is, in our roles as leaders, we are constantly bestowing something, whether we realise it or not. We can bestow the gift of belief or doubt, calm or anxiety, confidence or caution, dignity or shame, or of possibility or limitation. I guess then that the questions for us to consider as leaders are: what are people carrying away from their encounters with us? What gifts are we bestowing?

Perhaps one of the quiet privileges of leadership is that, every day, we get to decide what we will bestow.

SAVE THE DATE – HOT TOPIC 

We are still locking in details on a topic, speakers and location for our Term 3 Hot Topic, but do put September 2nd on your calendar, and keep a look out for more information! These are always a ‘not-to-be-missed’ connection and learning event.

SAVE THE DATE & VOTE FOR THE BOOK – OCTOBER BOOK CLUB

Leaders are readers! Our next ACEL WA Book Club will take place on Thursday October 8^th from 10am-12pm. To assist with choosing the book we will focus on, can interested readers please vote for their choice by Wednesday 12^th August. ACEL WA - Book Selection for October Book Club – Fill out form

New ACEL WA Members

A hearty welcome to our new (or re-instated) ACEL members in WA. It’s wonderful to have you join us, and I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event.

• Charles Gabriel, Coodanup College

• Rhys George, Bold Park Community School

• Christian Devellerez, Swan Valley Anglican Community School

• Narelle Lemon, Dr Narelle Lemon Practice/Edith Cowan University

• Kati Laaksonen, Moerlina School

• Michelle Striepe, Edith Cowan University

• Vera Moura, Mother Teresa Catholic College

• Emma-Mae Kapuscik, Grovelands Primary School

• Sophie Goodheart, Wesley College

• Renata Biancardi, Bold Park Community School

• Sabrina Hughes, Mazenod College

• Donna Jarvinen, Bridgetown Primary School

• Laura O’Hara, Woodlands Primary School

• Anna Griffin, Swan Valley Anglican Community School

• Robert Thomas, Wesley College