This week we have been bathed in glorious early summer sunshine. Everything seems better when the sun shines! This positive feeling reminded me of a phrase that I read in Vic Goddard’s book about headship: The Best Job in the World. He had the phrase “you make the weather” displayed in his office, to remind him that he set the tone for his school as its leader. I certainly agree with him. As a leader, your interactions, your tone, your behaviour, your manner and your outlook influence the interactions, tone, behaviour and manner of those you lead – and, by extension, the whole organisation.

But I think we all make the weather. Whether it is sunny or rainy, windy or still, dark or bright, we can choose how we relate and respond to one another. We can choose to lift one another up, or drag one another down. We can choose to bring sunshine or gloom in our interactions and behaviour. A smile, a cheerful greeting, being helpful and kind; these behaviours spread happiness and positivity through our community. As another wise headteacher once said: we should be radiators, not drains.

And so, whatever the weather outside is doing, I will always choose to look on the bright side. I will always do my best to bring the sunshine.