Scenario 7.3: A school crisis requires calm, decisive leadership
A serious safeguarding issue, student incident, or tragedy has hit the school. Emotions are high, people are looking to you, and decisions need to be made fast and well.
Leadership Behaviours to Support This Challenge
| Code | Behaviour | Why It Matters |
| Y3 | Manage Emotions | Composure is critical during a crisis. |
| S14 | Anticipate Unintended Consequences | Helps avoid hasty decisions that cause harm. |
| L1 | Lead by Example | Others will take their cue from your calm, clarity, and compassion. |
| T6 | Be Wonderful to Work With | Emotional support and connection matter deeply in difficult times. |
| S4 | Uphold Values | Making decisions rooted in values maintains integrity and trust. |
Suggested Approach
- Create space to breathe and think before acting.
- Communicate facts clearly and regularly.
- Prioritise safety and dignity.
- Delegate where possible to maintain oversight.
- Be present, kind, and real with staff and students.