Working through difficult situations
Working through difficult situations
A school business manager is responsible for providing professional leadership and management to the school’s support and teaching staff. They are employed to enhance the overall effectiveness of the team to improve standards of learning and achievement throughout the school.
To strategically ensure the most effective use of resources in support of the school’s objectives can be a daunting task. This is a role that certainly comes with many challenges. Here at GLS, we have set out ways in which you can overcome and work through difficult situations.
Communication
Fractious communication could have significantly detrimental effects within any school. Communication should be between not only staff but also pupils and parents. Talk to everyone to identify their frustrations and challenges; listen to their responses, outline what they want and find a way of implementing a solution that takes all opinions into consideration – but be prepared to compromise.
Keeping everyone happy
Changing people’s mindsets is easier said than done. It doesn’t matter how passionate you are with an idea, there are going to be people who disagree with it. The only way to alleviate some of the backlash is to educate people as to what changes you’re putting forward, why you’re suggesting them and how it will be beneficial for everyone involved.
Cuts to funding
The ever-changing landscape regarding funding remains one of the biggest challenges to face SBMs. With the uncertainty of finances and plans for the new national funding formula, it’s very hard to predict what income you will be getting. A lot of schools are struggling to pay for what they have, and if you want to substantially review and change your processes and ways of working, you need to take time and put in real investment to ensure the correct systems are in place.
Encourage collaboration
Whenever you’re struggling with mental health issues, speaking out and asking for help is always a positive step. That might be for dedicated mental health support, someone to talk to, or it might be to reach out to your colleagues to lighten the load.
SBMs are some of the most versatile assets a school has, with their roles encompassing many things they probably never thought they’d touch. See if other staff members in your school can do the same, collaborating on projects to lessen your load. Hand out teacher’s planners, so you can all collaborate on projects together.
Leadership
It is your responsibility as a senior leader to ensure effective line management, appraisal, and succession planning for support staff.
Make sure you have an embedded appraisal policy and process in place and that you are familiar with your various support staff teams. Determine which teams already have leaders, which have nominal leaders, and which do not yet have a leader. Consult with everyone and make sure that everyone on the team is involved in order for them to understand the benefits for themselves and their students. Meetings, training, and involvement will help to develop your middle leaders.
As an SBM, you may feel a sense of foreboding about the months and years ahead, but with the right processes and implementations in place, there is no reason your school can’t be run effectively, overcoming any challenges coming your way.
If you’re struggling and your job is becoming too much for you to handle, we advise you to seek help. Remember, it’s okay to ask for professional help. Why not start with the NHS Mental Health site.
To assist you with managing your mental health, read our tips for managing your mental health in parts one and two.
