Read more
Drawing on his twenty-four years' experience, Patrick Cozier reflects on the reality of school leadership in Calm Leadership, providing a candid and personal account of his journey. Patrick first stepped into headship in 2006 as one of the few Black school leaders in the UK at the time, and over the next two decades, he learned to lead through the highs and lows of the role. From navigating imposter syndrome and everyday pressures to experiencing moments of joy and hard-won progress - the journey traces how he learned to do so calmly.At the heart of this book is Patrick's 'CALM' leadership model, honed and crafted by him over many years, which entails:
- Confronting uncalm feelings
- Adapting to the feeling of leadership
- Leading people with humanity and understanding
- Maturing into the leader you are meant to be
This model offers a framework for managing stress, staying well and maintaining a positive outlook so that readers can sustain leadership roles in the long term. This book also addresses a part of leadership that's often overlooked: what it actually feels like to lead.Woven through are practical examples and CPD-ready strategies that readers can draw on and integrate into their everyday practice. Above all, it invites readers to see leadership as a fulfilling, lifelong path, open to everyone, with particular encouragement for those still underrepresented in these senior roles.The central message of this book is that leadership doesn't have to mean burnout; it can be a source of joy, fulfilment and lasting impact when approached with the right mindset and strategies, which Patrick presents with clarity, passion and heart.Essential for current and aspiring school leaders at all levels.
About the author
Patrick Cozier is an experienced high school principal at Highgate Wood School in London. In addition to his day job, he is a member of the Headteacher's Roundtable. He also serves as a trustee of the national charity Show Racism the Red Card (on which he is co-vice chair). More locally, he takes a leading role in the work of the Haringey Racial Equity Group (part of the Haringey Education Partnership) on its focus to reduce racial inequality and improve the outcomes and experiences for children of color.
