"Having optimistic realism helps us be clearer, more focused & more equipped, so that we can get ahead of the brutal facts before they get ahead of us." I love this, @rachelpixl.bsky.social. In @schoolsweek.bsky.social : schoolsweek.co.uk/five-ways-to...
www.racheljohnson.org.uk/articles/wha...
How to make meetings meaningful by @rachelpixl.bsky.social
The most read article of the week was ‘What do others do… Meaningful Meetings’ by @rachelpixl.bsky.social 📚
11% of school leaders read the blog, and 8% of classroom teachers read it this week!
What a fantastic review of @jazampawfarr.bsky.social’s new book from @rachelpixl.bsky.social – thank you 💙
If you haven’t ordered your copy of #BecauseofYouThisisMe yet, then this is your sign! Available from our website at: buff.ly/udqQd5i
@itlworldwide.bsky.social #Edusky #Booksky
What a fantastic review of @jazampawfarr.bsky.social’s new book from @rachelpixl.bsky.social – thank you 💙
If you haven’t ordered your copy of #BecauseofYouThisisMe yet, then this is your sign! Available from our website at: buff.ly/udqQd5i
@itlworldwide.bsky.social #Edusky #Booksky
Academic ideas from Eleanor and Hoyte et al. (2019)
Practical application in schools from @lekhasharma.bsky.social rma.bsky.social, Sam Crome and @rachelpixl.bsky.social ixl.bsky.social
Thank you so much!
Posting the last snippets from @rachelpixl.bsky.social's new book, 'Box Clever' today. If you've read them, I hope you found them interesting and useful, and it perhaps encouraged you to take a look at the book. Best wishes with it, Rachel.
www.hachette.co.uk/titles/rache...
In 'Box Clever', @rachelpixl.bsky.social's choice of 11 quadrants are "tools that can identify where you may be now, where you want to go next, & how you are going to make that move." www.amazon.co.uk/Box-Clever-Q... @johncattedu.bsky.social
"Remember it isn't just you; the struggles, dilemmas or tensions you face are the same challenges many of us experience. Sometimes just knowing that can help make us feel a little safer and a whole lot braver." @rachelpixl.bsky.social in www.hachette.co.uk/titles/rache... @johncattedu.bsky.social
😂 I see what you did there!
Exactly this!
It's a good point! As I say in the blog, exit interviews are important, but we should be asking those kinds of questions throughout someone's time in the workplace. I suggest the leaders I work with ask, 'What do you need from me if you're to be your professional best?' occasionally.
"The Eisenhower Matrix is often used for tasks & to work out what is urgent & what is important. However, it can also be used for our own change or change within our teams. Try using it to plot out your leadership focus, or who you want to be, not just what you have to do." @rachelpixl.bsky.social
The concept of staff surveys and things isn’t new but I couldn’t find a collective name for it. So thought about exit interviews and then just thought ‘well, if they are being interviewed whilst they are still in the organisation, let’s just called them init interviews!’😂😂
"In their book 'Both/And Thinking', Wendy K Smith and Marianne K Lewis explore some of the challenges around tensions, dilemmas & paradoxes." @rachelpixl.bsky.social in www.hachette.co.uk/titles/rache... @johncattedu.bsky.social
It’s because I made it up! The name that is rather than the concept, although maybe I made up both!! 😂
...Absolutely agree, @rachelpixl.bsky.social. If Covid taught us nothing else, it surely taught us this. 2/2
Leaders facing challenges: "Don't commit yourself to a fixed trajectory at the start. If the facts change, so will you. Unexpected events happen, so make sure to be flexible & agile so you can adapt as you need to." @rachelpixl.bsky.social in www.hachette.co.uk/titles/rache... 1/2
She’s such a cutie! Mine are 13,11 and 8 now! 😬
"Working out what you need to do & what you need to stop (& why) is always a challenge of leadership. Part of coming to any decision is checking our own motivation, emotions & perspective to ensure we are balanced & wise throughout this process." @rachelpixl.bsky.social
I can’t believe she’s this big already!!! Great costume too!
"Optimistic realists want to see results & change but also continue to believe that we have more agency than we think, & that we can be agile & responsive. Sometimes we must be patient & know that whatever obstacles we face, we will find a way round." @rachelpixl.bsky.social
Important questions to ask ourselves as we ensure we are striking a manageable & sustainable balance in our lives:
“Are you overworking & underliving? What is the impact of this on you, your workplace & your loved ones?" @rachelpixl.bsky.social 1/2
"What do you find energising? Is there enough of that in your life now? If the answer is ‘no’ at work, what could you do outside work to enable this to happen?” Important questions to ask as we ensure we are striking a manageable & sustainable balance in our lives @rachelpixl.bsky.social 2/2
"This book is a collection of quadrants that may help you see more clearly, so that you can lead more clearly...Thinking happens when we engage with the quadrants, when we have debates in our own heads & when we explore something we may find challenging." @rachelpixl.bsky.social
Useful questions to ask
When was the last time you admitted to making a mistake?
When did you last apologise & really mean it?
When did you last ask for feedback on what you were doing & how you were doing it?
When was the last time someone challenged you & you took it well?
@rachelpixl.bsky.social
Thank you! Can I also shout back about my friend Jaz… you need to buy her book, it’s an absolutely awe inspiring read, gripping, heart wrenching but real, human and full of heart and hope! It’s out soon and pre-order can happen now! I’m sure it’s going to sell out so buy one whilst you can!
🚨 The Teaching & Learning Summit 2026, with our partners Eton College 🚨
We have John Hattie, @mrenglishteach.bsky.social @mrspearce.bsky.social @rachelpixl.bsky.social, Jonnie Noakes, @alexjquigley.bsky.social, Iro Konstantinou, @drcastelino.bsky.social
🎟️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-teachi...
Thank you so much! It was a lovely surprise when I first found out and that lovely paragraph that someone has written… thank you. 🥹
