Over the last year, I have been travelling to different states and territories and working with a number of fabulous leaders. I’ve been fascinated to watch these leaders at work and seeing some interesting patterns. These leaders are leading positive change in their school and getting great outcomes for their students and communities - and undertaking the work in a committed partnership with their staff.
I’ve coined a term for this, and it’s FEROCIOUS WARMTH. With these leaders, their commitment to the cause of education and students pour out of their skin and every word they utter. With that, a massive dose of empathy and compassion is evident for all their people on the journey of change and transformation.

FEROCIOUS - there is a fierce congruence in these leaders. They are fully committed (heart), focussed on their clear purpose of providing amazing, high-quality education for their students (head) and courageous in making hard decisions along the way (gut). They are strong advocates for their students, staff and their community. Most importantly, they challenge assumptions on how we 'do' education, whether it be shifting the structures, innovating practice or lifting out of complacency or mediocrity. They are fierce in their belief that education, as it is traditionally provided, needs to continue to evolve. In many circumstances, these leaders are leading system revolution rather than evolution.
Nominate someone you know that fits the term Ferocious Warmth.
I’m writing a new book on this very topic. The current working title is: Ferocious Warmth: Connecting Heads and Hearts to Transform Education.

