We might think of trusting ourselves as believing that we can do something. But I think it goes a little further than that. It’s also about trusting our judgement, recognising the value of our experience and being able to evaluate our own decisions without needing someone else to confirm that we’ve got things right.
We spend a lot of time thinking about our strengths as leaders. We identify what we’re good at, build on it and find ways to use those qualities effectively. But strengths aren’t helpful in every situation. Sometimes, particularly when we’re under pressure, they can become a little too much of a good thing.
As the school year draws to a close, there is often a pull towards reinvention. September can start to feel like a blank page where everything will finally fall into place, where organisation improves, leadership becomes easier or where a more refined version of ourselves emerges. It is an appealing idea, particularly after a demanding year.