Imperfect Leadership in Action: A practical book for school leaders who know they don't know it all

Foreword by Andy Hargreaves.Hero headship is out. Imperfect leadership is in. This book is designed to help leaders develop and embrace an imperfect leadership mindset as a foundation for growth and development. In his first book, Imperfect Leadership: A book for leaders who know they don't know it all, Steve Munby uses the word 'imperfect' to describe his own leadership style. This is not something he apologises for; he feels imperfect leadership should be celebrated. Too often we are given examples of leaders who are put on some kind of pedestal, lauded as superheroes who have it all worked out and are so good at what they do that nobody else can come close. But imperfect leadership is the antidote to this flawed perception. In Imperfect Leadership in Action, Steve has teamed up with Marie-Claire Bretherton to delve in more detail into a broad range of themes under the umbrella of imperfect leadership. Writing with sparkling clarity, the authors explore the approach's key principles and share engaging exercises and inspiring case studies which give voice to a wide range of experiences from across the education sector.The central message is that we can use our imperfections as a springboard for leadership development by asking for help, investing in self-reflection, focusing on building teams - and by trying to be a better version of ourselves tomorrow than we were today.The book provides numerous prompts for self-reflection, and also includes a chapter on leading in times of change (such as the COVID-19 lockdowns) and how the principles of imperfect leadership turn out to be equally applicable in times of crisis.Suitable for all those in or aspiring to leadership positions in education.; Written by Steve Munby and Marie-Claire Bretherton, Imperfect Leadership in Action: A practical book for school leaders who know they don't know it all is designed to help leaders pursue imperfect leadership as something to be celebrated and as a foundation for success;

Imperfect Leadership in Action is a remarkably useful and deeply human book. With wisdom and authenticity, Steve Munby and Marie-Claire Bretherton invite leaders into a space of self-discovery, reflection and growth. Every educational leader can benefit from these empowering mindsets, practical frameworks and inspiring examples.

Dr Simon Breakspear

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In Imperfect Leadership in Action, Steve and Marie-Claire offer wise, honest and compelling reflections on leadership. The personal case studies are powerful and persuasive and make the book hard to put down. They share great stories of lives devoted to finding better ways of making more of a difference. All in all, it is an inspiring book but also a very practical one with so many ideas to help refine and improve leadership that it is impossible to close it without learning and aspiring to do better.

Christine Gilbert

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Imperfect Leadership in Action is a book you won't put down. It is a practical, evidence-based guide that is brimming with great leadership advice. Steve Munby and Marie-Claire Bretherton demonstrate wisdom, authority and compassion in every page of this text. This is a must-read for leaders everywhere - it is, quite simply, a tour de force of a book!

Alma Harris

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I predict that any head teacher or senior leader reading this will experience two very powerful emotions. Firstly, a sense of relief that it's okay not to be perfect and to make mistakes. We all talk about being open to self-reflection and learning from our mistakes, but this book makes it so much easier to do. Secondly, a sense of connection or empathy. There is no sugar-coating of the day-to-day realities of leading a school, which means the narrative understands our world and becomes our friend. These two very helpful aspects of the book are combined with a brilliant articulation of what the authors describe as 'the imperfect leadership mindset' - a series of internal and external foundations for successful lea