Workshop: Trust as the foundation for positive leadership

The Meerderweert office supports the foundation in operational, administrative and policy-preparation matters. From that role, Luc Mintjens brought in MyDrives to strengthen the collaboration within the group of head teachers.

Experienced and less experienced head teachers

Luc: ‘We have been using MyDrives for quite some time now. Several workshops have taken place to deepen our understanding of ourselves and to better understand one another. The workshop Trust as the foundation for positive leadership focused specifically on the diverse make-up of our group of head teachers. Some have been around for a long time, while others are a little less experienced. As a result, it was mainly that latter group of head teachers who did not always feel free to speak up during meetings. You see that in other sectors too, by the way. Our objective was: how do we make sure that all head teachers feel comfortable during a meeting, and how can they collaborate even better?’

Trust, feedback and flexible behaviour

Marc: ‘To achieve that objective, we first answered together the question of what trust actually means. Second, we focused on giving feedback – and asking for it! – once the foundation of trust has been laid. And third, using the MyDrives seven-colour theory, we showed the head teachers how they can demonstrate flexible behaviour towards one another. For example, someone with a decisive red drive can show less ‘red’ behaviour, and someone with a structured blue drive does not always have to insist on the details when a particular situation calls for it.’

How do we make sure that all head teachers feel comfortable during a meeting?

Look each other in the eye

Marc: ‘Like all MyDrives workshops, the workshop Trust as the foundation for positive leadership consists of a theory part and a practical part.’ Luc: ‘I still remember the practical exercise where we had to look each other in the eye for 2 minutes. At first I felt rather uncomfortable, but after a while it was fine.’ Marc: ‘That exercise is meant to take you out of your comfort zone, to do something you wouldn’t normally do at the drop of a hat. New opportunities for growth only present themselves when you dare to step out of your comfort zone. What’s more, neuropsychology clearly shows that you genuinely make an emotional connection when you look each other in the eye. And that mutual trust grows as a result.’

New opportunities for growth only present themselves when you dare to step out of your comfort zone.

Tell a personal story

Luc: ‘During another practical exercise, we formed subgroups made up of more and less experienced head teachers. They were given the task of telling each other a personal story they did not yet know about one another. It was surprising and wonderful to experience how much more understanding for each other arises straight away when you allow yourself to be vulnerable and authentic. Soon after the workshop, it became clear that the rapport between the head teachers had grown thanks to the use of MyDrives, and that, as an extension of this, the culture of giving feedback had changed for the better.’

No leadership without trust

Luc: ‘On the basis of the seven-colour theory, our head teachers now know more about one another – for instance, who is naturally predominantly performance-oriented (orange) or creative (yellow) – without putting each other in a coloured box. All in all, MyDrives is a tool that is as professional as it is approachable when you want to learn to communicate better with one another. So that, as an organisation, you can take a considerable step forward. Including when it comes to trust in relation to leadership. Because if that trust is not there, for whatever reason, it is impossible to lead a team successfully.’