CSM Directory

Biography:

I have worked in the education sector for over 40 years - 25 of these in senior management in secondary schools - including over 5 as Headteacher. I have worked as a lead and team inspector for OFSTED as well as an NPQ tutor/facilitator/coach and assessor for 4 providers. I run my own education consultancy business - offering a range of schools and MATs school improvement and leadership training.

As a sports fan I agree with Bobby Knight, head basketball coach of the Indiana Hoosiers, who is famously quoted as saying, “To be as good as it can be, a team has to buy into what you as the coach are doing. They have to feel you’re a part of them, and they’re a part of you.” In sports, different individuals and teams flourish under different types of coaching styles. Some athletes perform best under high expectations, others require a more hands-off approach, and still others thrive under a balanced style that calls upon team input. Successful coaches match their leadership style to players’ skills and personalities, and implement the style that works best for the majority. While every coach is unique, most common coaching styles fall into one of four major categories: democratic, autocratic, laissez-faire, and holistic. I have learnt to use a combination of each of these styles to suit those being coached as well as the coaching context and situation - but i suppose my default setting has always been the democratic style