A Time to Read, A Time to Lead
How we can use literature to reflect on our roles as leaders and inspire action
Shortly after introducing myself to the leader of the school I was working in this autumn, I sent off an email follow up.
“Thanks for taking the time to share a little bit about your school district and community. You have positive things going for you all! I also appreciate my drives to and from your site. In addition to the changing leaves, I am enjoying listening to the novel Slow Horses by Mick Herron. It’s an excellent spy thriller.”
Sharing what I was reading in my message was an impromptu inclusion. I knew that building trust with people I am new to working with happens more quickly when I am vulnerable and open. Offering a glimpse into my reading life was a safe place to start.
The vulnerability paid off in spades. The leader responded back:
“That’s interesting; I just finished watching Season 1 of Slow Horses on HBO. I thought it was pretty good, but I haven’t read the book, so I don’t know how the two compare.”
My next step in building trust became clear: I purchased a paperback copy of Slow Horses and gave it to the leader upon my next visit. “No obligation to read it,” I shared as I handed it to him. “So, no book report required?” he responded with a laugh.
“Fear lives in the guts. That’s where it makes its home. It moves in, shifts stuff around; empties a space for itself—it likes the echoes its wingbeats make.”
― Mick Herron, Slow Horses
I don’t think either of us engaged with Slow Horses by accident.
If you are not familiar with the story, the premise is a bunch of washed-up spies from Britain’s MI5 are housed in a make shift department away from the agency. They are kept on the payroll but have little meaningful work to do for a variety of reasons. Apparently it’s easier to maintain an island of misfit-toys (known as “Slough House”, hence the nickname “slow horses”) than to outright fire spies. Of course, that all changes when the motley crew is thrust back into action.
The manager of Slough House, Jackson Lamb, is burned out and prevents his subordinates from getting any ideas about possible operations. He’s comfortable if not satisfied with his current lot in life - no purpose, yet no stress or imminent danger.
Lamb is also lonely even if he wouldn’t admit it. That’s what makes him so relatable to me as a leader: he covers his loneliness and fear with defense mechanisms such as sarcastic humor and poor lifestyle habits. Once Lamb is forced to lead his loosely organized group against an unknown enemy (a hostage situation), he opens the door a crack, allowing a bit of light to shine through, for example compassion for his crew.
Taking risks as a school leader is also not a solo act. It’s crucial to have a team step out with you, side by side, as you take on the status quo. Principals, superintendents, and district-level administrators who work together and also work with teacher leaders stand a better chance of successfully initiating cultural change.
“Everyone wanted a life less ordinary. And only a tiny minority ever got it, and even they probably didn’t appreciate it much.”
― Mick Herron, Slow Horses
Picking up these themes from Slow Horses is not a given. I plan to follow up with this school leader about the story. I’m currently halfway through the first season of the television version of it. It’s good. The film or show version almost never measures up to the book it’s based on, but this is close. Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb is excellent.
Thinking about my upcoming conversation with this leader around the story, a few questions come to mind as possibilities.
“I found Jackson Lamb’s growth as a leader slow in the story. He almost had to be forced to step up. What did you think?”
“Lamb’s backstory explains some of his resentment toward his current situation. Did you find the same thing?”
“I’ve heard repeatedly from colleagues that the principalship is the loneliest position in the world. It reminded me of Jackson Lamb. Can you relate?”
I write these questions out before actually asking them. I don’t want to seem coy or disingenuous in any future interaction with the leader.
And yet I also don’t want this fortuitous connection, begun with a simple sharing of what I am reading, to be wasted. How can we expand our professional lives by looking at the world through the perspective of fictional characters? Is there room in educational leadership for pleasure reading to be a guide in our own growth?
“Half of the future is buried in the past.”
― Mick Herron, Slow Horses
In another school district I have partnered with as a systems coach, I considered following a similar process: throw out the line of what was I reading and see what might bite.
During my initial conversation in the leader’s office, his book shelves were packed tight with professional resources and literature.
He didn’t need more ideas, I surmised: we were ready for action.
What I’m Reading
Slow Horses is one of the best spy thrillers I’ve read. It’s the first installment in a series of eight. The HBO series based on the books is in its third season. You can watch the first episode for free here.
I finished The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters by Priya Parker. It would make for an excellent book club or professional study, especially for leaders looking to improve how they facilitate meetings and professional development.
If you are looking for something short and inspiring, check out You Are Only Just Beginning: Lessons for the Journey Ahead by Morgan Harper Nichols. The poetry, first finding an audience on Instagram, could be read aloud to start staff meetings.
Pair You Are Only Just Beginning with When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chödrön. The hope offered by Nichols interspersed with Chödrön’s call for accepting our current realities feels like a healthy balance.
As a leader, are you looking for a community? Look no further! I offer monthly article and book clubs for full subscribers. This includes professional conversations via Zoom; check out this month’s study below and RSVP today.
Beautiful work, Matt. This is a really good idea!