While we know that the leadership, personality, style and ability of a head are widely accepted as key factors in determining the quality of a school and the achievements of its students, little do we know about heads of schools and what they think of their role.
The nature of leadership is culture-bound and, although very personal, is defined by followers, the book entitled Educational Leaders In The Making written by Christopher Bezzina in collaboration with Vincent Cassar and Andrew Triganza-Scott, reveals.
In detailing their experience of childhood, of schooling, their reasons for entering the profession and for seeking leadership roles within it, and the values, beliefs and attitudes they bring to their work, the subjects of these interviews reveal interesting aspects of education and its management which are too rarely glimpsed at.
At the heart of the book are eight conversations between educational researchers and school leaders, and includes perceptive analysis of some of the major themes identified by the conversations.
This study forms part of a wider study involving four islands, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malta, and is coordinated by two leading authorities in the field, Peter Ribbins from Birmingham University and Peter Gronn from Monash University, Australia. Papers from this study have been presented in various international fora and published in refereed journals.
Dr Bezzina and his fellow researchers reveal the openness, honesty and sincerity with which the various heads spoke. As Maureen Killeavy from the University College, Dublin stated "the heads speak from the heart. The real challenges facing leaders, leadership and leadership development are tackled in a humane and authentic manner".
Furthermore, Maryanne Collinson from Michigan State University added that "these uniquely personal narratives portray a side of leadership that has been ignored for far too long".
Various points brought out in this study highlight the need to take school leadership more seriously. The study shows that family, family experiences, and the community have an important part to play in influencing the lives of prospective leaders. It also highlights the link between vicarious learning, continuous professional development and personal reflection.
The various experiences that the interviewees have undergone in life, together with the opportunities to develop professionally - academically and at work - show that headship is based on a mix of various separate experiences which individuals go through and which determine their life chances. These are naturally also conditioned by the social context in which they are working.
At the same time, it is evidently clear that heads of schools bring out the need for prospective heads to have experiences with "model" heads who can provide them with leadership opportunities during their apprenticeship. They also point out the importance behind having a mentor who acts as a critical friend.
As Dr Bezzina states: "Educational institutions do not exist to be administered. They may have in the past.
However, I do believe that our 'best' educational leaders went well beyond administering our schools. The National Curriculum calls for schools that encourage ideas and inquiry. Both those who teach and those who learn - that is, everyone - can be impeded or encouraged by the quality of educational leadership at every level within the institution.
"The conversations have helped us to understand and more so appreciate the major influences on some of our school leaders. Such conversations help us to understand the type of leadership traits that these heads have developed over the years and why they lead in certain ways and not others."
Leading today's school and those of tomorrow requires the skills, knowledge, aptitudes and values that can help give the schools meaning. The conversations help to highlight the importance that purpose and meaning have had on the heads' lives and their upbringing. The conversations also highlight an important quality - that of servant leadership. Servant leaders have found meaning in their lives, and they communicate that meaning to those whose life they touch.
As Dr Bezzina states: "The leader who inspires an attitude of service in his/her colleagues is a maker of meaning. This is the type of leadership fulfilment expressed by our interviewees.
"One may argue that the quest for self-fulfilment is a common journey for those who lead and those who follow.
"But there is a difference. The leader's style, model, and values determine the extent to which those who follow are able to achieve self-fulfilment."
Throughout the conversations the heads also emphasised the link of thought with action, and expressed a high level of moral commitment which is not without its difficulties or dilemmas. What is interesting to note is that while these interviewees were different in personality, education and background they all possessed a common devotion to those principles that the leader of integrity cherishes, upholds, and models.
Another important point highlighted by the conversations is the link between leadership and learning.
While this may seem obvious, however, the concept of learning, as expressed here, means more than seeking new degrees or certification. The various heads of school emphasised the need to be open, receptive to different forms of learning, be it through reading, discussing, sharing ideas with others, therefore learning with and through others.
The book ends with a captivating quote: "The heads are indeed humble people, ready to be receptive to others. While at the same time respecting what Maxwell has described as the 'law of legacy' where 'success is measured not by what you are leaving to, but by what you are leaving behind' (1998, p.224). And, as Professor Zogla from the University of Latvia stated from her critique of the book - this book provides insights into who actually manage and lead our schools. It is loaded with hope, direction, genuine feelings and encouragement."
Educational Leaders In The Making is available from Word for Word Bookshop in Msida and leading booksellers.