But this is not to suggest that there are not ways to work around the uncertainty that Covid-19 has caused.
Leading during these times requires constant communication, building trust, and being confident that we have the collective ability to innovative and solve problems. Micarlo, the chairperson of a school governing body in Cape Town has also emphasised the importance of proper planning. Together, his team has worked to develop “a plan that is consistent, a plan that is concise, and a plan that is able to see us rise above the circumstances,” he says. This process has helped his school immeasurably.
Dr Witten, visiting professor at the University of Cape Town Business School, who has worked extensively on school leadership in both South Africa and the United States, stresses the need for close collaboration between school management teams and district departments. “When this relationship of support really takes place between the district and the school, it will go a long way in strengthening school functionality and effectiveness,” he says.
If these measures are put in place, school leadership teams will be able to adapt to these changing times better, and will find ways to serve their teachers, parents and learners successfully.
Read the blog about this topic here.