Should you give your SLT leadership books for Christmas? Our community was split: some love the idea, others... not so much. Here are the books they suggested and what to weigh up.

Popular Choices:

  • Simon Sinek: "Start With Why" and "Leaders Eat Last" are popular for their focus on purpose and trust.
  • Brené Brown: "Dare to Lead" is praised for its emphasis on vulnerability and courage.
  • Kim Scott: "Radical Candor" (or the gentler "Compassionate Candor") is all about honest and clear communication.

Diverse Leadership:

  • "Disruptive Women" from WomenEd: This book highlights the stories and insights of women leaders in education.
  • "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg: While focused on women in leadership, it offers valuable perspectives on overcoming challenges and achieving ambitions.
  • "My Own Words" by Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A collection of Ginsburg's own writings and speeches.

Other Interesting Suggestions:

  • "The Culture Code" by Daniel Coyle: Explores how to build a strong and positive team culture.
  • "Good to Great" by Jim Collins: A classic on building lasting and effective leadership.
  • "A School Without Sanctions": For those interested in alternative approaches to behaviour management.
  • "High Challenge Low Threat" by Mary Myatt: Focuses on creating a supportive and effective learning environment.

Things to Consider:

  • Personal Interests: Do you know what kind of books your SLT members enjoy? A book related to their specific roles or interests might be more appreciated.
  • Time Off: Many people feel that Christmas is a time to relax and disconnect from work. Consider giving a more relaxing gift and saving the leadership book for a different occasion.
  • Alternatives: Book tokens, a nice bottle of wine, or even a thoughtful tree decoration might be safer options!

If You Do Give Books:

Choose a few titles with different focuses (e.g., culture, communication, personal growth) and let each SLT member pick the one that appeals most. It adds a personal touch and avoids the awkwardness of a work-related gift they may not love.