S1. Explain the why – Coach and Practice
This behaviour develops a leader’s ability to communicate meaning and purpose so that others understand not just what to do, but why it matters.
Behaviour focus
Helping leaders connect actions and decisions to a shared purpose so that teams feel motivated, aligned, and able to act with conviction.
Purpose
To ensure clarity and commitment by consistently linking strategy, routines, and expectations to the school’s overarching mission and values.
| Action Steps | Key Questions | Practice |
| Clarify intent before communication. Ask the leader to identify the core reason behind any new initiative or message. Encourage them to write one sentence beginning with “The reason we are doing this is because…” | What difference will this make to staff or students? How do you know this is worth people’s time and effort? | Ask the leader to script the opening 30 seconds of how they would introduce a new initiative to staff, ensuring they begin with the “why”. Practise delivering it aloud until it feels natural. |
| Connect the ‘why’ to values and goals. Encourage the leader to frame their explanation using the school’s core values and current priorities. | Which school value or strategic priority does this connect to? How will others recognise that connection in your explanation? | In pairs, rehearse introducing a new policy or expectation, explicitly linking it to one of the school’s core values. Give feedback on clarity and authenticity. |
| Test for understanding. Help the leader to check whether their team has understood not only the task but the purpose behind it. | How will you know that people understand the ‘why’? What questions might you ask to test it? | Practise a short team briefing. After giving the explanation, ask the “staff” to paraphrase the reason for the change. Reflect together on how clear it sounded. |
| Make the ‘why’ habitual. Encourage the leader to weave explanation of purpose into everyday communication, not only big announcements. | How can you make purpose part of your daily language? What opportunities do you have to connect actions to purpose this week? | Challenge the leader to finish each staff communication this week with one line that reinforces purpose, e.g. “We do this because it helps every student feel known and valued.” Review examples in the next coaching session. |