Scenario 7.9: A high-profile student incident has hit the local press and you need to manage the narrative carefully
An event at school (e.g. a fight, social media incident, or arrest) has made the news. Reputational risk is high, and the way you lead through this will shape public perception.
Leadership Behaviours to Support This Challenge
| Code | Behaviour | Why It Matters |
| S7 | Communicate Often | Transparency prevents rumour and builds control of the narrative. |
| S2 | Tell the Story | Framing your message helps manage public and internal perceptions. |
| Y3 | Manage Emotions | Staying calm under pressure ensures a better response. |
| L1 | Lead by Example | Professionalism and presence inspire confidence in your leadership. |
| T6 | Be Wonderful to Work With | Supporting staff wellbeing under pressure sustains team cohesion. |
Suggested Approach
- Work with your comms or press team to prepare clear, values-aligned messaging.
- Inform staff before the news spreads further.
- Stay visible and listen to community concerns.
- Rebuild trust with calm, clear leadership.