Thought For The Day – Wednesday 17th July 2024
Leadership
Today is the King’s Speech. King Charles III will read the new government’s programme.
Members of Parliament will be symbolically called to assemble from the House of Commons to the House of Lords to hear a speech written by the government. To represent the independence of the Commons from the monarchy, the door of the House of Commons will be initially shut on the King’s representative, who knocks three times, before being allowed access.
A key general message of the government is one of leadership as service. The idea that leadership is what people do for others.
Outside Downing Street on 5th July, the new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, thanked Rishi Sunak, the former Prime Minister, for his service.
Apolitically, the idea of service has also been articulated on many occasions by King Charles III, following his mother’s example. King Charles, and the Princess of Wales, and their family, have shown inspirational leadership, and service, in very challenging times for their health this year.
Every family has challenges and shows inspirational leadership and service in their way.
Leadership is seen by people in all contexts and at all levels of society.
Tributes were paid yesterday to Gareth Southgate, upon his resignation, for his commitment, aspiration, respect, integrity and community on and off the field. In terms of the cumulative results in the final stages of competitions, Gareth Southgate’s England senior men’s team have achieved more than all other senior’s England men’s team combined since the iconic and inspirational 1966 team. A fine future foundation has been set also.
Another outstanding leader, Sarina Wiegman, paid her tribute after the Lionesses brilliantly and resiliently qualified for their “Euros” next year. The Lionesses themselves has shown great leadership in the last three years particularly.
Inspirational leadership is demonstrated in the toughest of life situations. Tomorrow is Nelson Mandela Day, dedicated to a leader who stood against negative prejudice and discrimination and brought people together in reconciliation when he became President of South Africa.
All negative prejudice and discrimination is wrong. Yesterday, Year 10 and Year 12 students were inspired by Hannah Lewis M.B.E. (pictured above). Hannah, a Holocaust survivor, now aged 87, showed, and shows, a leadership beyond words, speaking, without any notes, of how almost all of her Jewish family were killed by the Nazis. Hannah’s mother sacrificed her life for Hannah as, when she was warned of Nazi killing the next day, Hannah’s mother decided to stay with Hannah, then aged eight, who was very ill and could not travel in freezing conditions. When there was a knock at the door the next morning, Hannah’s mother kissed her daughter and went out to the Nazis where, as Hannah looked on, she was killed. Hannah would survive the war, settle and marry in England, have children and grandchildren and be a wonderfully happy, positive and resilient inspiration beyond words. The most perfect love and spirit of Hannah’s mother, Heya, lives through Hannah.
For our leadership, and love, is inspired by those who came before us.
Leadership is also shown at TBSHS each and every day. We pay tribute to Mr. Reeve, the senior management team, governors, all staff, students and families for the leadership they show and inspire. The new school has added, and will add, a further, massive and exciting dimension to this, of course. The meticulous care and planning for the present and future has been truly extraordinary. We also pay tribute to all staff, students and families who have made such a wonderful contribution to life on London Road.
Ultimately, leadership is about everyone at every level of school and all society playing their positive part, in a good way, to help others and make the world even better. We are not perfect, and stay humble, but we do our very best and help others.
The cleaners will clean the school on Thursday evening for the final time because they will leave the school we are leaving permanently in a good, respectful and thoughtful manner.