6 they are obsessed with appearing smart - insecure school leaders or HODs are overly focused on receiving credit and external validation through their own goals. They neglect their primary responsibilities which is the collective success and the growth of their team (teachers) and school.

5 they feel threatened by competent teachers - instead of coaching and empowering these employees, they limit their opportunities, downplay their success, they target these teachers with the help of their team (mobbing).

4 they don't like change - they like sticking to old methods even if the new approach could be beneficial, often due to fear of risk and a lack pf confidence to lead effectively through change.

3 they manage through intimidation - they use fear to keep you on edge and inline rather than leading through vulnerability and openess.

2 they take it personally when anyone challenges or criticises them - an insecure leader becomes defensive or emotional when a weakness is exposed, rather than seeing it as a chance to grow or to improve their understanding.

5 making working conditions so intolerable that they feel forced to quit - tactics may include, giving the worst behaved classes/students, taking GCSE classes away, bullying, mobbing, taking credit for your successes.

4 using intimidation or hostility - leaders should not be surprised when teachers either look for employment else where or resign.

3 marginalising or isolating you from the team - this passive aggressive tactic is used by toxic leaders to strip and employee of both their ability to contribute and their sense of of meaning and purpose in their work.

2 Negative feedback and zero support - this creates a culture of fear and decreases a teacher's confidence and legitimacy of any of your feedback.

Hi Catherine. I am hopeful of a brighter future in terms of school leadership. There are too many good teachers leaving the profession and experienced teachers being forced out because of toxic leadership.

Remember, find a school where your voice is valued amd respected. Or risk killing your confidence by believing your opinions doesn't matter.

Here are three signs your leader is dismissive of your thoughts and opinions.

1 they consistently interrupt or talk over you during meetings.

2 they make decisions without seeking your input, even on matters that affect your work.

3 they rarely if ever follow up on your suggestions or feedback.

5 they are always fishing for complements, validation and affirmation.

6 they try to undermine your confidence or discourage you to keep you in your place. Again you become a target especially when you start to show confidence.

4 they are threatened by you and treat you as a threat. You are seen as competition. You are a target of negative feedback, intimidation, smearing, bullying until you quit, they will limit your workload to work that won't help you grow.

They will purposely misunderstand you. Next minute they are introducing your idea to the team and higher ups as their own idea.

2 they are hypocritical and never encouraging. They believe they have a higher standard and noble beliefs.

3 they are quick to get defensive and dismiss feedback.

7 they will never give you credit - they don't recognise. They don't cheer you on. They have a lack of gratitude.

5 their lack of work life balance fills into your workload. They will be working all the time and they will expect you to work at the weekends and holidays.

6 they make you feel small - they use their title, power to intimidate you.

3 they are concerned about internal politics - making themselves look good rather than looking out for you.

4 they will put you in uncomfortable positions - they will call you out at a moments notice and maybe even enjoy embarrassing you.