Leadership change gives it a chanceThe good thingsLots of great teachers, students, and support staff across the organisation in general. Great resources and facilities and a recent leadership change will give it a chance for significant and necessary improvement.
The challengesThis school’s culture remains fraught with challenges, particularly due to lasting impacts from the previous senior manager’s leadership style, which fostered a toxic work environment that persists despite recent efforts by new leadership. The former senior leader, known for a narcissistic approach that prioritised personal visibility over team well-being, allowed certain support staff to engage in and even perpetuate damaging behaviours. These individuals, protected by the former leader, often engaged in character vilification and favouritism, undermining collaboration and trust within the team.
One troubling aspect of this culture is the treatment of those who choose to leave. Employees who grew disillusioned with the environment and decided to exit were often subject to further vilification after their departure. Rather than acknowledging the reasons for their departure or reflecting on the broader cultural issues, certain remaining staff would frequently dismiss or disparage former colleagues. This pattern not only discourages open dialogue about needed improvements but also sends a clear signal to current employees that dissent or departure will be met with personal attacks.
The new leadership has taken initial steps to address some of these cultural issues, implementing policies to encourage accountability and transparency. However, the deeply ingrained behaviours and relationships from the previous leadership era have to date, proven resistant to change, especially since certain support staff (both current and former) remain influential and continue to reinforce old dynamics.
For those considering a role here, it’s worth approaching with caution and an understanding of the cultural challenges that may persist. Engaging with current employees and discussing the new leadership’s concrete actions on culture change can offer insight into how much progress has truly been made and whether the evolving environment aligns with their professional values and needs.