S4. Uphold Values – Coach and Practice
This behaviour develops a leader’s ability to turn values from words on the wall into daily, lived behaviours that define the school’s culture.
Behaviour focus
Supporting leaders to make decisions, conversations, and recognition reflect the school’s stated values in real, observable ways.
Purpose
To ensure that the school’s values are consistently reinforced through actions, language, and leadership decisions.
| Action Steps | Key Questions | Practice |
| Clarify what each value looks like in action. | What does this value look like when lived out by staff and students? | Ask the leader to identify three observable behaviours that demonstrate each school value. Practise describing them aloud in one clear sentence each. |
| Model visible alignment. | How do your daily decisions demonstrate our values? | Rehearse explaining a recent decision to staff through the lens of a value, e.g. “We did this because it reflects integrity.” Practise tone and phrasing. |
| Recognise others who live the values. | Who has embodied a school value this week? How can you celebrate it publicly? | Plan one concrete recognition act this week: a note, public thank-you, or staff briefing mention. Reflect later on how it was received. |
| Confront drift kindly. | How can you challenge behaviour that conflicts with our values while keeping relationships intact? | Practise a values-based conversation: “I know this isn’t like you. Our value of pride means we always…” Practise keeping tone calm and respectful. |