Flourishing Leadership: Building Trust, Navigating Change, and Prioritising Well-being

Written by Andrew Murray, former Principal and Director, Lumina Consulting

Leadership in any context is both a privilege and a responsibility. Picture this: you’re stepping into a school where things have been a bit of a mess—staff morale is low and parents don’t trust the system anymore. Your first instinct might be to dive in and fix everything, but hold up! What if the real power move is to pause, listen, and genuinely connect with the people who make up this community? That’s the magic of leadership—it’s not about the grand gestures; it’s about the small, meaningful ones that pave the way for real change. Imagine a new principal stepping into a school marked by years of instability, where staff morale was low, and community trust was fractured. This leader’s first task wasn’t to overhaul programs or introduce bold initiatives but to simply listen—to parents, teachers, and students. This simple act of empathy and connection began the journey toward flourishing leadership, demonstrating that even small, intentional steps can create lasting impact.

To flourish as a leader is to go beyond the metrics of success—such as performance outcomes or accolades—and embrace the holistic development of oneself and the communities served. Flourishing is about creating a space where people thrive, and every decision is grounded in purpose and connection. As the whakataukī says:

'He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.'

It’s the people, always the people, who matter most. Whether it’s rallying the team around a big dream or celebrating small wins, the goal is to create a space where everyone feels they belong and can contribute.

Cultivating Relationships

At the heart of flourishing leadership lies the ability to cultivate meaningful relationships. This involves planting seeds of empathy, trust, and shared purpose. A principal began their leadership tenure by listening and understanding the context of the school and its community. They recognised that before implementing change, they needed to build trust among stakeholders, especially after a period of instability caused by high principal turnover.

Empathy—the capacity to understand and share the feelings of others—is foundational in this process. This approach focused on being present during drop-offs, chatting with parents, and genuinely listening to concerns. The leader engaged with staff through one-on-one check-ins to understand their needs and challenges and with students by participating in classroom activities and showing genuine interest in their progress. These actions ensured everyone felt heard and valued, creating a foundation of trust and collaboration.

Similarly, leaders in other contexts must recognise the power of visibility and approachability. Simple acts, such as being present during critical moments or engaging in genuine conversations, set the tone for collaboration and shared ownership of goals. Trust and shared purpose follow empathy, fostering resilience in challenging times.

Facilitating Systemic Change

Flourishing as a leader also involves navigating the complexities of change. Schools, organisations, and communities are dynamic ecosystems where change is inevitable. To facilitate systemic change effectively, leaders must balance innovation with protecting the stability of existing structures and relationships. Consider how some schools adapted during the pandemic. Many introduced hybrid learning models, blending in-person and remote teaching to cater to diverse needs. These schools maintained their sense of community through virtual assemblies, ensuring students and staff stayed connected and supported.

Introducing new instructional models incrementally—piloting with a small group, providing professional development, and scaling gradually—underscores the importance of pacing and involving stakeholders in decision-making. Leaders must communicate a compelling vision while remaining adaptable to feedback and challenges. As described by Diaz-Gibson et al.(2021), leadership actions weave relationships and systemic change into a sustainable ecosystem.

Fostering a Culture of Well-being

For leaders to flourish, they must also prioritise well-being—both their own and that of their teams. Well-being is not just an optional extra; it’s the bedrock of flourishing leadership. A culture of well-being ensures individuals feel safe, valued, and supported, enabling them to reach their full potential. Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping organisational culture by modelling self-care and promoting work-life balance. This creates an environment where individuals thrive, innovate, and grow.

Leaders must also address systemic factors influencing well-being, such as workload, professional development opportunities, and recognition of effort. Fostering psychological safety—the belief that one can speak up, take risks, and express concerns without fear of negative consequences—is critical. By creating such environments, leaders ensure their teams can grow and learn confidently.

Balancing Change and Stability

One of the most challenging aspects of leadership is knowing when to drive change and when to prioritise stability. Rapid, unconsidered change can disrupt relationships and undermine trust, while resistance to change can lead to stagnation. By adopting a systems-thinking perspective, leaders can assess their unique contexts and determine the appropriate balance between innovation and preservation.

The Leader’s Journey

Flourishing as a leader isn’t a far-off destination—it’s a constant work-in-progress, a journey of learning, adapting, and growing. It requires self-awareness, intentionality, and a commitment to the growth of others. Flourishing leadership is deeply relational and contextual. It involves planting trust, navigating systemic change, and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. For leaders willing to embrace these principles, the journey promises not only success but also profound fulfilment.

Looking ahead to NES 2025, I’m excited to discuss leadership and well-being further. Leadership is much like navigating unpredictable waters, requiring balance, focus, and the ability to adapt to shifting currents. Leaders must remain intentional and attuned to the needs of their teams. Join me in Brisbane and Melbourne—where we’ll explore practical strategies to transform schools and ensure sustainable, thriving workplaces for educators. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation.

Andrew is presenting in the Wellbeing for Future Focused Schools Conference Brisbane on 31 July - 1 August 2025 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, and Melbourne on 28 - 29 August at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.