Building on a recent post where I used my tools to tentatively coach my younger self, I returned to my research to share some key insights from deep reflection.
I’m not sure the 30-year-old version of me would have contemplated these later conclusions, as he was too caught up in sustaining the status quo. In 1996 he had yet to question the norm because, by its measures, he was effective and successful. Anyway, eventually, around 2011, he stated in writing that his career up until that point could be divided into three phases or indeed phrases:
· A Product of the system
· A Servant of the system
· An Agent of the system.
I wonder what questions I, Dr Warren, might have employed to illuminate this untapped dimension and which cues might have teased out explanations for these familiar, though undefined terms.
I suspect I might prepare the ground by inviting us to reflect on our experiences of schools to ponder whether there is a distinction to be made between the terms 'schooling' and 'education'. This broad philosophical canvas might provide a structure for unpicking what it means to be a product of the system, potentially yielding fruitful insights for this stalwart of the system.
I’m attracted by the potentially provocative phrases that follow – servant and agent. It’s an intriguing line of enquiry to illuminate the relationship between 'who I am' and 'what I do' as a leader of young people and children. The 30-year-old me focused almost exclusively on the latter under the guise of excellence and expertise.
He had yet to realise he was building on sand.
