A Masterclass in Intentional Governance Leadership
Insights from Dr Amanda Bell AM
Advisor at Fisher Leadership
The AHISA Biennial Conference at the Gold Coast in September, provided us with an opportunity to encourage the Heads of independent schools to consider intentionally applying their leadership skills at a governance level.
The premise was that many new and experienced principals work assiduously on their own leadership and concentrate on leadership development in their school – with their executive, staff, students and community. Often neglected is the attention to their leadership skills with their board, including at the table, to engender confidence and influence in a nuanced, sophisticated and successful way.
The Masterclass led with a provocation by Michelle Loader, Managing Director of Future Leadership. Michelle reviewed current trends in board room dynamics, governance hygiene factors, ESG considerations and diversity of capabilities. She continued with how the Head can influence the agenda, prepare before the meetings, act with confidence at the meetings and undertake effective follow-up after the meeting.
A very lively Q&A session led by Jane Danvers, Principal at Kambala, with a panel comprising Michelle Loader, Liam King and Amanda Bell allowed for further discussions around the time that should be allocated to board matters, complexities of school board memberships, changes in chairs, factions amongst directors and protecting the confidence of the Chair and board in the Head’s performance.
This topic intersected with the Conference theme “What now, what next?”. Intentional governance leadership is often overlooked by inexperienced and experienced Heads alike, given it draws on different skills at the governance level. These Head-Chair/Director relationships can be precarious – especially when the Chair and/or membership and dynamic of the board room changes. The right approach can consolidate a Head’s position and influence; a neglectful approach can be career limiting.
The participant evaluations following the session concluded that further professional development was needed for Heads in this area and AHISA is discussing a potential governance seminar in 2024 around these important topics with Future Leadership.
Some comments from the Biennial Masterclass included:
I only received positive feedback and had a number of people suggest that it should have been a keynote session. Some Heads did say that they appreciated the focus on all levels of leadership, new, established and changing board membership. (Sydney)
I really enjoyed the session. My only feedback is that I wished it was longer, so participants could share their circumstances and then draw upon the wisdom of the panel and colleagues. (Brisbane)
Many attendees at the conference, including me, thought the session was excellent – and felt the most relevant. It was regarded as the ‘best’ session of the conference and many regretted not attending. (Melbourne)
We have already been contacted by some school Heads looking to provide tailored governance professional development for their boards and senior staff following the Masterclass.
If you would like to discuss a tailored program for your school please contact us to arrange a conversation.
Enjoy your well-earned summer holiday.
Dr Amanda Bell AM
abell@futureleadership.global
The AHISA Biennial Conference at the Gold Coast in September, provided us with an opportunity to encourage the Heads of independent schools to consider intentionally applying their leadership skills at a governance level. The participant evaluations following the session concluded that further professional development was needed for Heads in this area and AHISA is discussing a potential governance seminar in 2024 around these important topics with Future Leadership.
If you would like to discuss a tailored program for your school please contact us to arrange a conversation.