Why Schools Need MESSY Leadership

  • - Coaching data provides insights into school leaders' reality, challenges, and development needs. We'll share the top nine issues they face and seek coaching for, with the 'human side of school leadership' being the toughest.
  • - School leaders realize the need for a new approach. We'll unveil the 'uncommon sense of MESSY leadership' that challenges traditional notions of 'effective school leadership'. Adaptability, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and future-focus are essential for leaders.
  • - We'll provide evidence-based tools and conversation scaffolds that school leaders can use in their daily practice. These resources support leaders in embracing the beautiful 'messiness' of school leadership.

Schedule Information:

12:00pm | Wednesday 20th March

Brave Leaders - World Education Summit
Brave Leaders
 Flourishing Leadership - World Education Summit
Flourishing Leadership

Rosie Connor

Alyssa Gallagher

Session Description

School leadership is evolving, with principals navigating complex and uncertain environments and relying on adaptive leadership and collaboration. BTS Spark, a global educational leadership expert, conducted pandemic research to identify thriving school leaders. Their findings led to the concept of ‘MESSY leadership’, which gained international attention. BTS Spark then analyzed over 6,000 coaching conversations with school leaders to develop the MESSY leadership model. This model was co-developed with school leaders worldwide and will be published in May 2024 as a book by ASCD, benefiting over 15,000 school leaders. It is a model created by and for school leaders, based on their needs and experiences.