Most parents will be familiar with the repeated use of the word ‘why’ by young children. Sometimes it is asked out of curiosity, at other times it is used as a simple response to something they have just been told in order to prolong the conversation. Parents will also be familiar with its use by teenagers in a very different context, as a retort to challenge their authority … but perhaps it is a word we adults should be using more often.
Visit any organisation and when you ask an employee to describe it the default position is to tell you what they do – what services they provide or products they produce. In order to differentiate themselves from others who engage in similar activities, some will go on to tell you how they do it. Very few will explain why they do what they do, assuming, of course, they know. The leadership expert and author, Simon Sinek, suggest that high performing organisations start with the ‘why’?
A clear articulation of why an organisation exists provides a guiding light, a beacon, that inspires people to want to be part of the organisation. From this a coherent philosophy – a set of beliefs and values – should be in evidence. These beliefs and values then shape what the organisation does – the systems, procedures and policies implemented and the tasks undertaken in order to fulfil the organisation’s aspirations.
Schools are no different from other organisations, yet each school is very different, the culture varying significantly from one to another. A high performing school will have a clearly articulated mission statement – the ‘why’ - that is current, succinct, realistic, memorable and unique, influencing decision making at all levels within it. Such a mission statement will enable others to understand the ambition of the organisation, its purpose and where it is going. It is crucial that the behaviours within the school are in perfect alignment with the mission to enable it to become a reality. Therefore, there must be an educational philosophy – the ‘how’ - incorporating clearly defined values, as well as agreed principles on how the school believes students learn most effectively (surprisingly few do). Finally, the educational programme – the ‘what’ - that will enable students to achieve their highest human potential.
The challenge for schools, as with any organisation, is devising a compelling mission statement that inspires passion and motivates people to give that little bit extra in pursuit of the mission. My experience of working in education would suggest that very few schools manage to achieve this. When you find one that does, it is usually doing something quite special with its students. You notice a certain energy about the school and a clear direction. You find inspired teachers inspiring self-motivated students to do extraordinary things.
Start with the ‘Why’? It can tell you a great deal about a school.
Written by Julian Whiteley, formerly the Head at United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA), currently Chief Executive at Phuket International Academy (PIA).
Julian.whiteley@pia.ac.th