Riding the Waves: Finding joy and fulfilment in school leadership

(Paperback)

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In this positive and inspiring book, James Hilton, author of Leading from the Edge and Ten Traits of Resilience, explores how primary and secondary school leaders can find fulfilment in their challenging roles in order to lead their schools successfully. Career satisfaction is central to leading a happy, healthy and effective school, but recognising the positive aspects of school leadership can be difficult at a time of extreme pressure, high accountability, constant change and seemingly impossible demands. Riding the Waves offers practical strategies, advice, reflective questions and activities for developing the fulfilling aspects of school leadership to carry school leaders through these challenging times. James Hilton explores how school leaders can enhance their mental health and wellbeing and their work-life balance by building effective relationships, nurturing talent, celebrating achievements, feeling in control and, importantly, taking a break. With a foreword by Mary Myatt and interviews with a number of education experts, this book is a must-read for all current and aspiring school leaders who wish to thrive in their careers and build a happier and healthier school environment for the benefit of teachers, pupils, parents and the wider school community.

Reviews

Reading James Hiltons book is like sitting with a good friend and having a brew. Riding the Waves is a book of proactivity, reflection, resilience and leadership. What I love about it is Jamess openness with his own leadership journey coupled with useful interviews and case studies. I feel its an essential read for those aspiring to lead as well as those already leading. We all have so much to learn from each other. -- Hywel Roberts * Teacher, Writer, Speaker, @Hywel_Roberts *
This is a great book for aspiring or current school leaders. Whether you are considering pushing a boat out or riding the waves of headship, you will gain valuable wisdom and insight in steering and steadying the ship. This book will definitely be on my shelf as a navigation tool to help me reflect and focus on where I wish to take my school in the future. -- Corinne Latham * Headteacher, Belfast, Northern Ireland, @curriculumni *
James Hilton draws upon his vast experience of leadership to remind us of the core role of relationships, culture and communication in any school, whilst addressing the often forgotten area of senior leaders' wellbeing. An essential companion piece to James's previous works. -- Andrew Cowley * Deputy Headteacher and author of 'The Wellbeing Toolkit', @andrew_cowley23 *
This book is so refreshing! Grounded in humanity, humility and honesty, it offers an invaluable guide for school leaders to help them thrive in their roles and help those around them thrive too. Jamess regular anecdotes, from his losses to his mistakes to his triumphs, combined with the invaluable input of an array of superb school leaders make this a must-read for anyone in or aspiring to school leadership. -- Dr Emma Kell * Author of 'How to Survive in Teaching' *

Author Bio

James Hilton is a former headteacher, currently working as a conference speaker and author specialising in leadership, stress management and positive psychology. He applies his experience of leadership to inspire a wide range of clients including school leaders, NHS staff, local government and businesses. James provides fresh insights into the challenges of leadership in the intense environment that is the modern workplace. He is the author of Leading from the Edge and Ten Traits of Resilience.