Ronaldo’s approach to motivating João Felix on the football pitch offers important insights for school leadership. His words and actions highlight the power of belief, psychological safety, and the drive to push others to be their best. Here’s how you can apply his lessons in your role as a school leader:
- Make It Aspirational Ronaldo’s advice to João Felix, “You take it well,” is a simple yet powerful affirmation. By reinforcing João’s belief in himself, Ronaldo fosters confidence and reminds him of his abilities. This is key for school leadership: when you affirm the strengths of your teachers and students, you inspire them to believe in their potential.
Action: Take a moment today to affirm someone’s abilities. Acknowledge a student’s effort or a teacher’s skill and remind them of their strengths. Let them know you see their potential and trust them to rise to the challenge.
By reinforcing belief, you help others grow in confidence, which is essential for creating a positive school culture. People are more likely to step up and take risks when they know their leader believes in them.
- Create Psychological Safety Ronaldo’s statement, “If we lose, so be it,” highlights the importance of removing the fear of failure. By normalising mistakes and showing that outcomes are not the only measure of success, he creates a safe space for effort and learning. In schools, this principle is crucial: when staff and students feel safe to experiment, try new things, and make mistakes, they are more likely to grow and thrive.
Action: Think about how you can create psychological safety in your school. Can you reframe failure as a learning opportunity rather than something to be feared? Consider how you can reduce unnecessary pressure on your team and students. Whether through offering support during challenges or acknowledging the value of trying something new, creating a safe environment fosters creativity and growth.
In a school setting, when people feel they can make mistakes without fear of harsh judgment, they are more likely to take initiative, develop new skills, and engage more fully in their work.
- Challenge Them to Be Better Ronaldo encourages João to “show personality.” This is more than just a call to action; it’s a challenge to rise to the occasion and bring something unique to the table. As a school leader, you can use this approach to inspire your team to develop and grow. By setting high expectations and encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones, you help them realise their potential and rise to new challenges.
Action: Consider how you can challenge someone in your school today. Encourage a staff member to take on a new responsibility or ask a student to push beyond their comfort zone. Growth happens when we are pushed to go further than we thought possible.
Setting high expectations and challenging others to meet them not only builds their capacity but also helps them develop resilience and leadership qualities that can benefit the entire school community.
Reflection: How You Lead Matters
When you consider how you motivate your staff and students, remember that your words are powerful, but the environment you create matters even more. Just like Ronaldo motivates João Felix with belief, safety, and challenges, you can shape your school’s culture by doing the same.
By being intentional with your affirmations, offering a safe space for failure, and challenging others to rise to new opportunities, you can unlock the full potential of your school community. It’s not just about giving orders or issuing praise – it’s about creating an atmosphere that fosters growth and success.
Who will you inspire today?
Consider how you can apply these lessons in your leadership. Motivating others isn’t about grand gestures or perfect words; it’s about consistent, small actions that build trust and foster growth. Every word you speak has the potential to inspire someone to do their best. How will you use that power today?
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