Jen Deakin, Course Leader of Graphic Design and Advanced Practitioner at Runshaw College, attended the Education and Training Foundation’s (ETF’s) Leading from the Middle course in January to March 2024. As part of the course, Jen undertook a focused learning activity (FLA). Here, she reflects on what she chose to create for her FLA, her other learnings from the Leading from the Middle course, and her advice for new leaders.
As part of the Leading from the Middle course, we did a focused learning activity (FLA) where we had to implement a solution to address a challenge we were facing. Lots of the example FLAs addressed issues based in the classroom, but I wanted to do something a bit different. My biggest challenge at the time was starting my role as an advanced practitioner helping staff. I had some imposter syndrome, so I wanted to create a go-to resource – a toolkit – to help people like me learn more about leadership, including how to deal with difficult conversations, and how to motivate and mentor staff.
I based the content on what I had learned from the Leading from the Middle course, but also on my own experience up to that point, and other training and development opportunities. I also conducted a survey of other sector leaders asking about their common challenges, which informed my work.
The toolkit I created is based online and is accessible for anyone. I wanted to make it really flexible, so it’s split into sections and people can choose what they want to dip into. The main area includes eighteen different ‘tarot’ cards reflecting key areas of leadership such as emotional intelligence, mentoring, time management, change management, resilience and more.
I wanted it to be helpful for new leaders, but also for those with lots of experience who might want to focus on one specific area of development. As part of the toolkit, you have an option to record your progress by downloading a checklist, which prompts you to self-reflect on each section. It’s designed so you can cover what you want, in your own time, at your own pace.
There were eight modules altogether, and I learned so much from them. One module that stood out to me was called ‘The FE and Skills Business’, focused on finance. That’s an area I think a lot of middle leaders don’t get involved in, so I didn’t have much of an understanding of it. We learned about the measures that make up FE establishments and their financial health. We were given an example set of accounts and, at first, I thought, ‘This is not for me’, but I came away a few hours later with a really solid understanding of what the figures meant.
There was also a module on leadership styles, which helped me become more sure of who I was as a leader and what my purpose was.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. Building a supportive network and collaborating with others is really important.
I’d also say to be authentic. I used to assume there was only one way to be a leader, but I know now there are lots of different leadership styles. So, it’s about being authentic, finding your own style, and knowing what works for you.