Talking heads: Barbara Lawgun

Position: Executive principal

Company: Cut Above Academy

Oversees: 250 students and about 30 staff


What makes your day at work?


After only a short while here at the Cut Above Academy, I find myself already looking forward to my daily visits to classes. To witness the excitement and enthusiasm of students, as they learn in an environment that has a special "buzz," definitely makes my day. The students confirm for me that we are making a difference to their learning.

What path did you take to your current role?


My path has never deviated from what I am passionate about - teaching and learning. From primary school teacher at the outset to being a mum, from assistant principal to Dean of School, my compass has always followed the same direction. In 1999 I completed a Masters in Educational Administration with honours at Massey University, Albany. It gave me the opportunity to look at a leadership role in education through different eyes.

What was the most important lesson you learned on your way up?


There have been a number of lessons that I have learnt, many from people in leadership roles. Stephen Covey, one of my favourite authors, wrote: "The key to understanding is listening with your eyes and your heart." A leader with this quality will recognise, utilise and nurture the strengths of others so that the organisation's vision becomes achievable.

What has been the best moment in your career?


After 24 years at the same school, I was awarded the 1999 Teacher of the Year Award. To be acknowledged as "the teacher who has made a key difference enabling student success" by senior students was a real honour for me.

How have you dealt with the pitfalls in your career?


The key to growing personally and professionally is to accept and then learn from your pitfalls. Because it is so easy to fall into the trap of being negative, I have made it my aim to remain positive and to concentrate on moving forward.

What annoys you most?


What I find frustrating is "talk with no walk" and knee-jerk reactions. Obviously it does depend on the situation, but credibility is tempered when, after lengthy discussions, either no action is taken or a hasty move is made.

If you were starting over again, what would you be?


I would be exactly the same as I am now - involved in teaching and learning. Sharing my passion and vision with others so that they are similarly motivated has always been important to me.

What management wisdom is most overrated?


I read recently that, "Strategic plans are intellectually simple, their execution is not." I am therefore sceptical about strategic plans that are an annual event, especially when the plan is relegated to the shelf. Yes it is important to have a good, concentrated thought period, but then you have to live with that strategy every day.

The role of managers or leaders is not to preside over their empires but to ensure that every person in the organisation understands the goals and, more importantly, the vision.

What will be the big business issue of the next decade?


Debate about the effects of the brain drain has resurfaced and the facts are clear. Our young will continue to go abroad for their big OE. The positives could outweigh the negatives if we were to adopt a more pro-active approach.

By working on developing an environment that is "attractive" many will return, bringing back with them their valuable experiences. This means much more than bringing up a family in a healthy, clean environment.

Giving our immigrants the opportunity to cross-credit their qualifications so they can work towards taking part in professions that are losing employees is also worthy of serious consideration. It is not what you have or haven't got, it is how you use it.

How do you relax?


I am a strong advocate of the practice of reflection and enjoy doing this while I go on very long walks by myself or with my husband, Allan. While I enjoy watching cricket, netball and rugby, I am always available to close friends for that quiet cappuccino. A chat on the telephone to my children who are abroad is also relaxing.

* Barbara Lawgun talked to Dita De Boni.