Leadership Profiles – Daniel Priest

Leadership is an ongoing journey of reflection, adaptation, and growth. The following insights provide a structured reflection on leadership experiences, challenges, and aspirations, offering a framework for continuous development.

1. Leadership Journey

What inspired you to become a leader, and how has your leadership style evolved over time?

Leadership has always been a natural inclination for me. I am drawn to roles where I can contribute meaningfully to the development of others, refine systems, and enhance outcomes for both staff and learners. Leadership provides an opportunity to effect positive change, ensuring that educational environments are continuously improving.

Over time, my leadership approach has evolved into one that is both authentic and values-driven. I believe that integrity and alignment with core values are critical to effective leadership. Every decision and action I take is guided by these principles, ensuring that my leadership remains purposeful and grounded in a strong ethical foundation.

2. Vision & Impact

What drives you as a leader, and how do you ensure your vision positively impacts staff and students?

My primary motivation as a leader is to create an environment where both staff and learners can thrive. A supportive and inclusive culture is essential for ensuring that everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

A strong moral compass and a dedicated work ethic shape my approach to leadership. I remain committed to being student-centered, prioritizing staff wellbeing, and engaging in ongoing reflection to enhance our school’s learning environment. By fostering collaboration and maintaining a focus on continuous improvement, I work to translate vision into tangible outcomes that benefit the entire school community.

3. Coaching & Mentoring

How has mentoring or coaching influenced your leadership, and what do you find most
rewarding about developing others?

The most fulfilling aspect of coaching and mentoring is witnessing growth—whether in colleagues or in learners. Seeing individuals apply evidence-based practices and research to enhance their capabilities is both inspiring and rewarding.

Leadership is not just about directing change; it is about empowering others to develop their own skills and confidence. By providing guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback, I aim to create an environment where individuals feel supported in their professional growth. Ultimately, this investment in people leads to better outcomes for our learners and strengthens our collective capacity as educators.

4. Leading Change

Can you share a time when you led a significant change? What challenges did you face,
and what did you learn?

One of the most significant changes I have led is the implementation of new systems and curriculum areas, including the integration of Te Reo Māori at Taumata School. This initiative came with challenges such as varying levels of staff confidence, competing priorities, and time constraints within an already busy schedule.

Key learnings from this experience included the importance of patience, strategic planning, and inclusive leadership. Sustainable change requires bringing people along at a manageable pace, providing substantial support, and ensuring a clear implementation framework. Identifying and leveraging early adopters, setting up strong support structures, and regularly reviewing progress were crucial to the success of this initiative. Being open to feedback and willing to refine our
approach ensured that we continued to improve and adapt effectively.

5. Wellbeing & Resilience

How do you manage the pressures of leadership while maintaining your own wellbeing
and support?

Maintaining personal wellbeing while managing the demands of leadership is a continuous challenge. While I strive to prioritize self-care—such as maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate rest, exercising, and spending time with whānau—I recognize that there are periods when I fall off track.

A key focus for me is practicing self-compassion and acknowledging that leadership is complex. Effective leadership requires adaptability, reflection, and the willingness to reassess priorities when necessary. While I am not always perfect in maintaining balance, I remain committed to improving my personal resilience and wellbeing practices.

Next Steps for Growth

Based on your reflections, what are one or two key areas you would like to focus on in
your leadership development?

  • Prioritization of Tasks: Developing practical strategies to manage competing demands
    efficiently without becoming overwhelmed.
  • Managing Overwhelm: Implementing techniques to remain focused and composed,
    particularly when navigating multiple responsibilities.
  • Self-Compassion: Recognizing that striving for excellence does not require perfection
    and that self-care is essential for sustained leadership effectiveness.

Conclusion

Leadership is a journey of continuous growth and refinement. By embracing reflection, strategic planning, and a commitment to supporting others, I aim to strengthen my leadership practice and contribute meaningfully to the development of both staff and students at Taumata School.