Feeling like your ‘why’ has wandered off? In this uplifting piece, Laura Williams shares practical tips to help school business leaders reconnect with their purpose and rediscover the impact of their hard work
I’ve been talking with a few SBLs recently who have been feeling a similar type of way – disconnected; from the role, from their school and with the hard slog that it often is and from why we do this job in the first place!
The reality is that, sometimes, we’re so good at what we do that it goes unnoticed. When everything runs smoothly – when the bills get paid, the heating comes on (are you there yet?!) and food gets put on plates – it can seem like magic. Or at the very least, like a well-oiled machine, so efficient that others forget that it’s even there!
But the fact that it’s unseen or unnoticed doesn’t mean that what you do isn’t valuable or worth recognising – in fact, it’s the opposite. It’s truly invaluable. It means you’ve created a system that’s reliable – the backbone that a school needs to function.
Simon Sinek says, “When you know your why, you’ll know your way.”
But when the day-to-day grind leaves us feeling… well, ground down (!) you might start to wonder if what you do really matters and what the point of it all is. Let me put this to you: no matter how you got here, you’ve stayed in this role for a reason – one that goes far beyond and is way more meaningful than any to-do list! So how do you reconnect with your ‘why’?
Here are some things that have worked for me and for other SBLs I know:
Get Back in the Mix: It could be something as simple as volunteering to help with a school trip, attending a parents’ evening, or sitting in on a school performance. These moments don’t just remind you of your purpose, they remind you of how much your work behind the scenes makes all this possible.
Start a “Wins” Journal: I know, I know – who has time to journal, right? But hear me out. I’m not talking about anything elaborate. Just jot down one thing each day or even each week that you’re proud of. When you look back, you’ll realise how much you’ve been moving forward, even on the toughest days.
Take a “Walk of Purpose”: This is one I really love. Step out of your office and take a stroll around the school grounds – but with a different mindset. Look at the things that are working well – the library filled with children reading, the new play equipment outside, a classroom you helped refurbish. It’s a simple way to remind yourself that you’re not just managing systems and processes – you’re creating a place where children can thrive.
Have a Real Chat: It’s easy to think you’re in this alone, but the truth is, a lot of SBMs have felt this way. Reach out to a colleague or friend who understands the ups and downs of the role. Sometimes, sharing your thoughts and hearing theirs can bring a fresh perspective and comfort and validation too.
If your why has wandered off, carving out time to remind yourself of the very real impact you have is the quickest way to find it again. Because, trust me, the evidence is there – and there’s a lot of it.
So, this month, I want you to take a step back, look at what you’ve accomplished, and allow yourself to feel proud. You’ve got this.
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