Teach Middle East Magazine Sep-Oct 2018 Issue 1 Volume 6 | Page 12

Administrator's Corner USING YOUR STRENGTHS TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF YOUR ROLE BY NICHOLAS MCKIE A ccording to the latest UK government figures, 3 in every 10 new head teachers and deputies who took up leadership positions between 2011 and 2015 are now not in post. There are of course many reasons for this, but the issue of burnout and stress is ever more documented in educational leadership, not just in the UK but also throughout the international arena. The idea of work life balance, mindfulness, meditation and exercise are all excellent ways to combat stress and these are well documented. When you are in the work place, however, what are some of the ways leaders can promote healthy performance? The most effective leaders positively challenge and stretch themselves and the teams around them, strengthening their own learning, whilst also pushing the boundaries of possibility. In order to stretch yourself in a positive way, the first step is to understand which activities are challenging you. It is then possible to stretc