I have worked with Naila for around 2 years now and as a result, the way I work has been totally transformed.
Firstly, Naila has helped me see the importance of developing relationships at all levels. This is something that I felt I had already conquered but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Before I could talk about its importance but now I ‘walk’ it every single day. As result of our work together I now see daily opportunities to develop relationships that will impact and influence the way those around me work, helping them to follow my vision and values. A key elements to this has been the relationship that Naila has built up with me. Her nurturing approach has allowed me to soften. I have total trust in her.
Its not just my personable skills that have been developed but also my ability to work under pressure whilst keeping my desired outcome firmly in my sights. For example, Naila worked with me to prepare for a pivotal Ofsted inspect. I couldn’t have been more prepared; from the moment that phone all came though to hearing the inspectors confirm the final judgement. It was the toughest two and a half days of my career to date but using my understanding of communication and body language, I was able to shape and influence the inspection whilst coaching and empowering the team around me to do the same. I now know that this was all possible due to my new understanding of relationships and the rapport I had built up with our team. This was key to the success of the inspection . We are now a ‘good’ school.
On a day to day basis, I work so differently now. I never come to school with an agenda or a task list. I work with my head up and my eyes open. I react to what is going on around me and make the most of those impromptu opportunities to influence, develop and empower those around me. I am much more focused now than I have ever been. I have become a leader that people trust, come to for advice and want to follow.
Over the past 18 months I have achieved more than I could ever have imagined. I have become a Specialist Leader in Education, an assessment lead who is regularly asked to support and develop assessment systems in other schools. I’ve been asked to work alongside other experts on a large assessment project for a leading SCITT, as well as being released a day a week from my own setting to work for the authority on recruitment and retention strategies. I am now not only directly influencing those that I work with directly but teachers and leaders across the district.
I truly believe all this has been possible as a result of Naila unlocking my potential and the most exciting thing is that I know that there is so much more to come. My eyes have been opened; opportunities are everywhere.
Lynette Clapham
Deputy Headteacher, Crossley Hall Primary School
