Creating a Culture of Transformation with Richard Gerver

The Connected Leadership Podcast

This episode of the Connected Leadership podcast features a fascinating conversation with Richard Gerver, Andy’s guest this week. Richard came to prominence when, as a head teacher, he turned around a failing school in the UK in under two years. Winning plaudits globally, Richard was labelled The Walt Disney of the Classroom by the UK media and went on to win a multitude of international awards, including a UNESCO award for leadership and innovation, the Global Gurus Top 30 Thinkers, and the National Teaching Awards Head Teacher of the Year. Using his unique experience and insight, Richard has become one of the world’s most influential experts on change and leadership.

Richard shares his journey to becoming the head teacher of a school that had been struggling for a decade. He emphasises the importance of human connection and building trust, describing how he fell in love with the school's community. He understood that the staff, despite being repeatedly told they were failing, were passionate and deeply cared about their students and community. They were simply disenfranchised and lacked a sense of purpose.

Richard explains how he re-engaged the staff by focusing on their values and vision and asking them what they wanted their students to be like when they left the school. This simple question sparked a powerful conversation and allowed the staff to reclaim their ownership and drive. Richard highlights the urgency of education, emphasising that children only get one chance and that a single year can be deeply formative.

Andy and Richard explore motivation and disengagement, with Richard criticising traditional education systems for fostering assumed incompetence, stifling curiosity and engagement. He advocates for cultures that encourage active participation, trust, and belief in individual potential. Richard underscores the crucial role of trust in positive change, comparing it to the political landscape, where mistrust fuels division. Building trust, he argues, requires genuine listening, authentic communication, and responsive action, including vulnerability, admitting mistakes, and showing genuine care for others' wellbeing.

The podcast also touches on the impact of negative reinforcement and how to give constructive feedback effectively. Richard cautions against constantly telling people they are failing, as it can lead to a sense of hopelessness and undermine their self-worth. Instead, he emphasises the importance of understanding the context and reasons behind underperformance and supporting individuals to overcome their challenges.

Andy and Richard conclude by examining the importance of consistency in leadership, drawing parallels to the constant turnover of managers in professional football. Richard argues that regardless of tenure length, it's crucial for leaders to demonstrate genuine care and commitment to their team. They must be present during both the highs and lows, holding themselves accountable and building authentic relationships.

This episode provides valuable insights into the power of human connection, authenticity, and trust in driving positive change. It serves as a reminder that effective leadership requires more than just technical skills; it demands a deep understanding of the human condition and a commitment to empowering and supporting individuals.

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