I also know that #SBLTwitter


really came into its own – sharing ideas, news, strategies, plans, risk assessments and, of course, dealing with the emotional impact of the global pandemic. We’ve been encouraging each other on how to adjust to working from home, switch off from work and be creative in fi nding alternative things to


do during lockdown. Start with why


So here is my suggestion: if you’ve not read Simon Sinek’s book Start with Why or watched his TED talk, do fi nd the time. To summarise, Sinek states that great


leaders inspire everyone to take action by putting Why (the purpose) before How (the process), or What (the product). As schools rapidly transitioned to childcare for key workers, we’ve ensured the Why of our schools and academies continues, even though the How and the What have been transformed (with families home-schooling through teacher-created online learning or packs of work). I think this presents a perfect


opportunity to look at the Why, How and What for school income generation. Let’s face it, lettings and car-boot sales have probably dried up, so now we can use this time to refl ect and think more strategically. There will be budgets in 2019/20 not fully spent, so how can they be put to even better use in 2020/21? You could argue it is likely that we will experience another pandemic in our lifetime, so what should we be doing differently now to protect our schools, but also the business models of our suppliers? Some supplier relationships have been strained to say the least, while others have really blossomed.


Forward planning Plans for 2019/20 maintenance works and improvement plans are likely to be on hold for a bit. Soon, I hope, we will turn our


attention to bringing everything back to relative normality. This will take some planning, and the process


20 SUMMER 2020 FundEd


will be in stark contrast to the abrupt halt in March. Some schools will need to order new science goggles to replace those donated to local hospitals, caterers will need to restock kitchens, and maintenance teams will have to complete extensive checks across school buildings and grounds. Just as my family organised our skiing holiday (which seems like a lifetime ago now!), we will have the luxury of time to plan and implement. We will be able to consider our options, consult widely with interested stakeholders, make the necessary adjustments and hopefully have a fi xed target date.


‘This presents an opportunity to look


at the Why, How and What for income


generation... we can


use this time to refl ect and think strategically’


Review and reflect In the meantime, why not review the Why, How and What of your Covid-19 strategy and the lessons you can draw from it. Has the preparation for converting your school to a childcare provision for keyworkers highlighted strengths you didn’t realise you had? Do you want to use those skills more now? Could this mean a different role for you in the future? Has it exposed any weaknesses in your skills? Perhaps it has inspired you to apply for ISBL Fellowship? Review yourself against the ISBL


Professional Standards. How are you going to try and close any skills gaps? Is there any online CPD you could access during the lockdown for you or your team? What will you ask for when you next have an appraisal? Give yourself time to refl ect when


you have the capacity to make considered choices – during your daily walk, perhaps? And if you’ve never played Uno, perhaps you’ve got some time now to learn… after all, we’ve all learnt how to expect the unexpected!


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