BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

Someone once said, “How one plays, and what one plays for, that alone reveals the man or woman.” This is all about character and attitude. 

Your approach and outlook will define how well you do, what people think of you, and what success looks like in your career—far more than you might expect, and perhaps more than specific results in any exams.

This theme is explored in David Brooks’ book, ‘The Road to Character’, which challenges us to think less about what’s on our CVs and more about what will be in our eulogies. Brooks argues that people should focus on how they want to be remembered—their kindness, courage, and compassion—rather than just their achievements. 

This doesn’t mean your accomplishments aren’t important—they are. But we can leave a bigger mark on the world by focusing on who we are and how we live.

With that in mind, I want to share four observations that I believe will help you do well in life. These are lessons I wish someone had shared with me when I was sitting where you are now.

 

Work for something bigger than yourself

Find a cause you’re passionate about and become well-read in that area. You’ll find it more rewarding when you work for the betterment of something beyond your own life, and it will take you further. For me, it’s about ensuring every school I work in gives children the best chance to shine, no matter their strengths.

 

Be the most hopeful person in the room

I’m not talking about wishful thinking or naivety but about your posture as a person. The person with the most hope is often the one with the most influence. Hope brings creativity and optimism, especially under pressure. It’s an obvious point but one that’s hard to stick to, especially for us Brits, who tend to be glass half-empty! 

As my hero, Ted Lasso says about being hopeful:

“I believe in hope. I believe in ‘Believe.’

 

Do the small things really well

I always used to tell my leadership team at BCS that if I could trust them with the smallest tasks, like covering playground duty or turning up on time, I could trust them with bigger responsibilities. People notice your attitude and demeanour in these small things. They watch to see how you treat those who can do nothing for you. Don’t be slack with the little things.

 

Embrace responsibility

This is a difficult one. It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone and let others step up. But it’s really important to say yes to new challenges. This is how people make a difference, take risks, and achieve great things. Whether it’s putting your hand up in a French lesson, bowling the final over in a cricket match, singing a solo at the carol service or standing up for the underdog, stepping up matters. Even if you fail, you’ll find it easier to live with yourself knowing you tried.

In the words of Winston Churchill, ‘success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.’

 

So, to recap:

  • Work for something bigger than yourself
  • Be the most hopeful person in the room
  • Do the small things really well
  • Embrace responsibility, don’t duck it

If you remember nothing else, remember this: how you go about things in life matters greatly to your impact and prospects.

Our world needs a new generation of leaders, and if you see opportunities to make a difference amidst the challenges, you can be one of those leaders. 

The contribution you choose to make in this world is the greatest success you could enjoy. Hold on to these principles, and you will thrive. I wish you the very best in the future. I know you will all succeed if you believe in yourselves!

Thank you, and congratulations once again to the Class of 2024!