In an increasingly frenetic world too many leaders have lost sight of the simple yet profound wisdom associated with practical action, otherwise known as phronesis. Phronesis is an ancient Greek word associated with good judgement and good character. At its core, it is about the ability to discern how best to act. Practical wisdom involves acting thoughtfully and virtuously and encouraging others to do the same. Stephen Tierney describes virtue, thought and action - which coalesce in effective leadership - as the Way of Being, Way of Knowing and Way of Doing. Each of the three Ways consist of a number of elements termed the Basics. The Ways of Being: Purpose & Introspection The Ways of Knowing: Specialism & Strategy The Ways of Doing: Implementation, Networking, Guardianship & Expertise Structuring the book around these eight Basics, readers will be challenged and supported to explore each of the Basics from a theoretical perspective and then provided with real world examples of how they were applied by Stephen in his own career in educational leadership. In writing Leadership: Being, Knowing, Doing, Stephen seeks to help leaders explore their own capabilities and potential. Leadership can be learnt. The three Ways with their constituent Basics represent a mirror to help leaders reflect upon and improve their practice. In turn, current leaders are called upon to accept the responsibility to grow the leaders of the future.
Stephen taught in the maintained sector for thirteen years before becoming Headteacher of St. Mary's, an 11-18 school, in Blackpool. Following thirteen years of headship he became the Executive Headteacher of the school and of a one form entry primary school. Along with one other primary school, these schools formed a cross phase multi-academy trust which Stephen led until December 2019. He sought to develop a culture in which staff, children and young people could flourish. At the heart of his philosophy was the professional development of teachers and a more evidence-informed approach to school improvement. His work in Blackpool rooted him in the daily practicalities of teachers' and leaders' lives. He currently works as an educational consultant supporting school leaders. He was Chair of the Headteachers' RoundTable Group for six years, leading on their policy ideas for an alternative to the current high stakes, cliff-edged accountability system. As a blogger (www.leadinglearner.me) he writes on a range of topical educational issues: the core school business of the curriculum, teaching & learning and leadership. He is on twitter as @LeadingLearner. He has previously published two books, Educating with Purpose & Liminal Leadership. Leadership: Being, Knowing, Doing is his third book.
