This time last year, I successfully applied for a secondment onto the leadership team of the school.

It was a year that included some incredible highs, the opportunity to learn from and work more closely with many talented colleagues across the school, and professional learning that will stay with me for the rest of my career.

Of course, there were difficult moments, too, and they are just as important in shaping the journey.

I wanted to capture how I feel after one year, in the hope that it might help someone who is in a similar position - whether just starting in an SLT role or considering applying for one.

1. Ask people how they are and what help they need, often

You’re never too busy to ask people about themselves, or how things are going.

Whether the response is positive or negative, there’s always something to contemplate when you think or talk about why that might be the case.

One of the most personally satisfying parts of the year was working on the school distance learning programme.

Having modest technical skill, I was able to form a helpdesk of sorts to assist teachers to break down barriers they felt were preventing them from doing a better job.

Sometimes it was specific training; sometimes it was making time to discuss their ideas. Their ability to innovate beyond the realms of original ideas and concepts never ceased to amaze.

2. See things through another’s eyes

School was moved fully online in Dubai halfway through the year, and I quickly found myself sharing all aspects of school life with my wife and children.

When things weren’t perfect, honest and fair criticism was never far away (even when I didn’t ask for it). However, it became a chance to be less defensive and more reflective.

There were also a lot of wonderful moments where I could watch my wife seeing the things that we are privileged to see in school every day: the incredible relationships between teachers and students, the essential work of learning assistants and those eureka moments to name a few.

This sort of perspective can be easy to lose but it’s important in a senior role to do this to understand how the decisions and actions you may implement could impact others.

3. Keep teaching if you can

The reason I wanted to be a teacher was that I loved teaching. As I’ve gained experience in different areas of school life, that feeling has remained constant.

I’m fortunate that my position has allowed me to teach every day and I’ve come to realise that, wherever my career takes me, I don’t want to stop.

There are challenging days where there are meetings interleaved with Foundation Stage 2 PE lessons and officiating u15 basketball fixtures, but time with the students is to be cherished and is always the highlight of the day.

If you can’t, never forget what it’s like to teach a full timetable. It keeps you grounded in the reality of why we do what we do - whatever rank you rise to.

4. Seek a mentor

As a teacher first, try to remain teachable. I’ve been extremely grateful for the sage advice from the school principal and other members of the leadership team.

Furthermore, it’s helped me significantly to have mentors from other walks of life. They don’t necessarily need to be an expert in education, just someone who has a vested interested in you and your development.

In the appropriate context, advice also doesn’t always need to come from “above”.

5. Believe in yourself

Making a step up to leadership is a challenge, but it’s vital to have confidence you have been chosen to do it for a reason and that others have faith in you to lead.

Don’t be afraid to admit you are wrong but also take some pride in the fact that you are leading and that others look to you for the answers. 

What is important is to give others confidence that even if you don’t have the answers, you will find it for them.

In the worst of times, people need someone that they can depend on and that is who you are as a leader.

6. Read - a lot

There are some extremely valuable books about leadership that can provide a lot of valuable insight. I particularly enjoyed Education Exposed by Sam Strickland and High Challenge Low Threat by Mary Myatt.

There are also a great number of inspirational school leaders on Twitter who write articles and blogs that constantly challenge your thinking - for example, Simon Smith (@smithsmm) and Michael Tidd (@MichaelT1979).

I have often tried to read about leaders from outside of education, but it can be hit or miss.

There is always insight, but not always practical application. Nevertheless, you never know where a piece of wisdom or inspiration may come from, so being open to all ideas is never a bad thing.

7. Switch off

Sometimes that sheer desire to do the best possible job can be all-consuming, and that applies to everyone who works in a school.  

Don’t ever feel guilty for making time to do the things you enjoy or spending time with people you love. Wellbeing isn’t selective, it’s for everyone.

I try to make sure that when I’m home, I’m not just there physically, but emotionally and mentally. Your family deserve the best of you, too.

Niall Statham is head of physical education and a member of the SLT at Hartland International School in Dubai