The Wizards Behind the Curtain
Beware of those pulling the strings in our schools – these multi-academy trust CEOs, seemingly elusive until they need something, embody a leadership vacuum that cripples morale and suppresses progress. But much like the Wizard of Oz presents himself as an awe-inspiring figure, CEOs similarly rely on trickery and deception to maintain authority. This serves as a useful guide for this gripe and a powerful metaphor for the importance of seeing through illusions and recognising the true nature of those in positions of power.
Problem: ‘I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore’
NB. For the reader’s benefit, from now on, I will refer to CEOs as CamEOs as it’s easier to read (i’m really pleased with that 🙂
So you are minding your own business, trying to guess ‘which member of SLT is going to hand in their notice next’ during a staff meeting, or playing ‘Bullshit Bingo’ as the head of behaviour talks shit on a google meet, when suddenly, out of the blue, a “prophet” appears. It’s a CAMEO – a rare sighting indeed (quick, throw Golden Razz Berries and Ultra Pokeball that crafty fucker). But before you can reflect on the rarity of their attention, you realise it’s not a friendly check-in; it’s a demand thinly veiled in guilt, flattery, or outright disdain. This is the reality for many in the education system – a system where CAMEOS only show their freshly tanned faces when they want something. The impact? A toxic culture of manipulation, confusion, and disengagement.
Causes: ‘It’s a twister, it’s a twister!’
I hardly ever see CAMEOS. One memorable instance was when a CAMEO, whom none of us had ever heard of before, unexpectedly appeared on a Google Meet. It was a moment of collective bewilderment – “Who the fuck is this?” Their camera positioned awkwardly beneath their face, offering prime nostril, their face closer to the screen than a horny munchkin discovering lolly-pop-guild-girls.com (don’t click that!!). They sat in silence as the head welcomed our return from summer break, but then they suddenly seized control and introduced themselves with the immortal line, ‘Whenever I visit your school, I feel disappointed……’ *cue awkward silence and figurative tumbleweeds* …… Whatever the fuck that was it was as about as inspirational as Toto’s obedience training as they effectively announced to the entire school ‘I haven’t got a brain… only straw’.
Why do these “leaders” operate in the shadows, only emerging when it suits their agenda? The problem stems from power dynamics and ego. Guilt-tripping, flattery, and fear tactics become tools where leadership qualities are lacking. After all, why bother with visibility or accountability when you can control from behind the curtain? The result is a culture where hard work goes unnoticed, the impact remains obscured, and trust erodes faster than Witch in water.
Effects: ‘I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too!’
Firstly, the lack of visibility and support from CAMEOS and leadership leaves teachers feeling undervalued and demotivated. Without clear acknowledgement of their efforts, staff struggle to maintain enthusiasm and as a result dedication. The absence of effective leadership trickles down, creating an atmosphere of disengagement and apathy among staff members.
Moreover, the manipulation tactics employed by these winged monkeys, whether through guilt-tripping, flattery, or fear, breed mistrust and resentment among the staff. Instead of fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, these tactics foster a culture of suspicion and anxiety, dismantling the sense of community more forcefully than a house falling from the sky.
Furthermore, the impact on teachers’ mental health cannot be overstated. The stress of navigating a system where their contributions go unnoticed or unappreciated takes a notable toll on their well-being. Anxiety, burnout, and depression become all too common among educators who feel unsupported and undervalued by their leadership.
Ultimately, the effects of this leadership vacuum create a toxic environment that undermines the foundations of learning and growth. Without effective leadership, teachers and staff struggle to fulfil their potential, leaving them and their students disadvantaged.
Solutions: ‘What makes a king out of a slave? Courage’
How do we break free from this whirlwind of manipulation and apathy? I mean, the simple solution is to throw a bucket of water over these charlatans and hope they melt…(ooh, nice shoes!). But realistically it starts with demanding transparency and accountability from our leaders. CAMEOS must be held to a higher standard, with clear expectations for visibility and engagement – in simple terms, show up; step out from behind the curtain and lead my pretties, lead!
CAMEOS should regularly engage with teachers and staff, providing open forums for dialogue and feedback – not just hang around for the photo op when the local MP pays a visit. By fostering a culture of transparency and inclusivity, leaders can rebuild trust and forge an actual sense of community.
Furthermore, creating avenues for meaningful recognition and appreciation of teachers and staff is vital. And fuck public praise, that’s lazy and insincere, take the time to personally connect with your staff. Look them in the eye, actively thank them, and ensure their efforts are acknowledged because they are enabling you to drive around in your £1ook plus, 4x4s. Additionally, leaders could demonstrate their support for mental health by promoting a healthy work-life balance and publicly stating their support; showing empathy for those outside of the Emerald City.
Conclusion: ‘Are you a good Witch, or a bad Witch?’
The effects of this leadership vacuum are clear: corroding morale, undermining well-being, and hindering professional growth. However, by embracing solutions where CAMEOS prioritise transparency, visibility, recognition and well-being of staff, we can build effective workplaces. It’s quite simple: if you expect people to follow you down the yellow brick road, staff need to feel valued, empowered, and appreciated. If, as a leader, you neglect these crucial aspects, what do you fucking expect? And, until you prioritise these needs, ‘I’ll pay no attention to the *man* behind the curtain‘.
‘”A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others”‘
The wizard – The wizard of oz
