Claim Your Seat at the SLT Table
The value of the SBL voice and making it count
You may already have a seat at the senior leadership table, but influence depends on more than attendance. As a school business leader you hold insight, experience and expertise that deserve strategic recognition. This session is about stepping into that space fully: building confidence, honing communication and making sure your voice is heard as a driver of decisions. We'll look at how to frame complex school business issues - from finance to operations - as clear, persuasive propositions. We'll explore how to navigate meetings, manage dynamics with heads or trustees and assert yourself as a strategic partner rather than a support function. The goal is to help you move from behind the scenes support to visible, respected leadership.
In this session we explore
How to communicate with confidence, clarity and authority in meetings, strategy sessions and governor discussions
How to turn complex data, budgets or proposals into compelling, decision ready messages
Techniques for reading room dynamics, managing difficult personalities and influencing without conflict
How to build relationships of parity and trust with heads, governors or trustees so your perspective is valued and sought
Use of body language, tone and presence to reinforce credibility and leadership presence
Take home points
Practical tools for clear, confident, impactful communication in any setting
A simple framework for structuring proposals and reports that persuade rather than overwhelm
Strategies for handling tricky discussions and challenging dynamics while staying influential and professional
A stronger sense of your strategic value and how to make others see it too
Confidence to claim and hold your place at the leadership table
This session is for
School business leaders who want to be taken seriously, influence decisions and shape the direction of their school or trust.
