Holst’s SLT? What if everything we needed to know about leadership was explained by the solar system?

Drawing inspiration from the fictional author Mark Corrigan’s work on ‘The Business Secrets of the Pharaohs’, I will begin this article with the caveat that obviously the movement of celestial bodies and their characteristics are so complex as to be completely meaningless when compared to the management structure inside schools. That being said, it is almost impossible not to draw comparisons when looking at the socio-mythological background of the planets when reviewing the plethora of leadership styles employed by senior leaders. With this in mind, I have attempted to interpret the planets as personifications of SLT, much in the manner of Gustav Holst.

Let us start with Mercury, the fleet-footed messenger. This type of senior leader is bright but seldom seen. Showing much promise and saying all the right things (when you can actually catch them), they never seem to be around, available, or ever get back to you. Maybe it’s that they are always out on a course or stuck in a meeting. Either way, attempting to secure a few minutes of their time is nigh on impossible. Outwardly they seem phenomenally busy which is ok, as far as it goes, but when the children mouth the words “Who’s that?” as they walk past in the corridor, you know that they are not having the impact they think they are. The takeaway message for the Mercuries on SLT is to be visible, present, and available to staff and students alike. Remember, business is not a virtue.

You want to work for a Venus. Well, you do, and you don’t. Working for one is great but once you have done so you are spoiled and working for any other type of leader really doesn’t cut it. A Venus leader is one who genuinely loves you. Not in an inauthentic ‘we are a family’ way, nor a ‘happy clappy’ toxic positivity way. No, a Venus leader loves you like a parent. They cheer at your success and commiserate in your defeats but more so, they are honest with you. When you get it wrong, they will tell you, albeit in a supportive, kind, and emotionally generous way. However, they will still tell you. Venus will hold you to account and coax you into being a better version of yourself. They will usually be the brightest thing in the sky at your school and other leaders will pale in comparison. This can cause envy. If you are blessed enough to work for a leader like this, then recognise that this is an opportunity and make sure you capitilise on your good fortune for as long as you can.

Some people like conflict. They most likely protest that they do not but deep down we all know that they do. They get off on it. ‘Mars’ type leaders enjoy a bit of a row to get their heart pumping. Surely, we all have a friend who’s like this? Being argumentative is a bit of a blood sport for them. This isn’t a great character trait in anyone but in a leader, this can be downright destructive. In general, leaders should do their best to promote harmony and avoid discord where possible. Yes, this is Mars- the planet of war. SLT members inspired by this planet are never so happy as when there is some sort of running battle taking place. It could be with a student, a colleague, or a parent. Opportunities to diffuse are ignored in favour of pouring petrol upon the fire. If you have the misfortune to work with one of these challenging characters, stay well away from them at all costs.

Leadership isn’t easy and sometimes we can expect too much. Leaders are human. They are not, nor should they be, perfect. An Earth type leader will have some superb qualities and get things right most of the time. What’s great about them is they will also be vulnerable. Quite often, new heads will be very much of this ilk. Some aspects of their leadership are akin to a lush fertile rainforest, yet they will lack some skills in other areas, appearing as barren as a desert. Working with an Earth style leader can be frustrating and inspiring in equal measure. Much like the development of the earth’s atmosphere, it will just take time; eventually, they will get there. When working with this type of senior leader, take time to celebrate when things go right and support them where you can: they will appreciate and they will remember.

Every SLT needs a giant. They have a big personality and are usually a larger-than-life character. Oozing charisma, they have the ability to inspire and rouse staff when needed. These leaders are heavyweights and bring a certain gravitas to the team. However, to focus on their presentation skills and outward persona is to misunderstand them entirely. The real strength in this type of leader is what most people don’t see. Just as Jupiter protects the rest of the planets by absorbing any large comets or asteroids that wander into the inner solar system, these leaders provide protection. Typically Deputy Heads with a good few years in the trade, they will absorb the big hits: be that angry parents or challenging students. They will swing across to cover lessons at a moment’s notice or stay late when the need arises. Come inspection time - when you need someone to pull an all-nighter and put the team before themselves - you’ll be glad you have one of these Goliaths around. Generally, these are great people to learn from as they are keen to develop others so take full advantage.

There’s a Saturn leader at every school. In the worst cases it’s the head but Saturns can manifest themselves at any level of leadership- even heads of department. Incredibly charismatic, you may initially mistake them for a Jupiter as they rival them in terms of extroversion. There is, however, a crucial difference. Just as Saturn is surrounded by rings of rock and ice, so too is this kind of boss. Cronyism and favouritism abound and, in many cases, this can be quite shameless. Seemingly harmless, the manifestation of the preference shown to some and not others offers the Saturn protections and a degree of invulnerability. If you have the misfortune to work with a Saturn do your best to escape their gravitational field and avoid being pulled into their nefarious orbit at all costs.

The ice giants. Big planets. Solid. Secure. These are the capable but cold SLT. Sharing nothing of themselves with others and though they could never be accused of lacking in ability or doing a good job, they are dull and struggle to inspire others. If only they would perhaps relax a little, open up, and give something of themselves to the role, they could aspire to become a Jupiter one day. A bit of personality goes a long way. Often assistant heads who focus on data or appraisal, they have carved a happy niche for themselves and they feel that they don’t necessarily need to engage with staff any more than is absolutely necessary. If you work with this type of SLT don’t waste your time trying to befriend them, they are simply business all the time and they have literally no chill - no pun intended.

First off, yes - Pluto is no longer a planet but this rather plays into the point. Times have changed, education has changed yet Plutos haven’t. Just as the planet found itself on the wrong side of the times, becoming insignificant, so has this sort of leader. Cliched, I know, but change is the only constant in education. It would be easy to blame these leaders (usually heads closer to retirement) but, to be fair, the perpetual upheaval and shifting priorities of education must become tiresome after a while. New edicts from the government of the day or fresh research contradicting your philosophy and practice must take its toll. Regardless, if you work for a Pluto their days are numbered so be kind.

In summary, members of SLT would do well to reflect on the type of leader they are and the type they would like to be. Just as astrologers believe that the movement of the planets impact our destinies I am convinced that the real impact of SLT on the lives of their staff is immeasurable.

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