Certainty is Overrated.

As educators and school leaders, we're often encouraged to provide certainty. Clear answers, definite pathways, and straightforward solutions. It’s tempting to believe this clarity helps everyone, from students to parents and colleagues, feel secure and confident. Yet, if we’re honest, certainty is rarely reflective of the real complexity within our schools.

In our quest for clear answers, we sometimes unintentionally shut down dialogue. Certainty can feel authoritative, perhaps reassuring at first, but it often silences curiosity, the very thing our schools most deeply need.

Consider what happens when we embrace curiosity instead. Curiosity opens up conversations. It invites collaboration and creates space for different perspectives, leading to a richer understanding and stronger relationships. Curiosity shows students, peers, and parents that their voices matter, that their contributions are valuable, and that the school community is a living, dynamic place where questions are not only welcomed but essential.

When we lead from a place of curiosity, we're acknowledging that we don't have all the answers. It’s a stance of humility, yes, but also one of strength. We’re setting an example that knowledge grows when it’s shared and explored together, rather than tightly controlled. This approach shifts the emphasis from simply forming relationships towards cultivating genuine connections that build belonging.

Belonging isn’t just about being part of a group. It’s about feeling valued, understood, and empowered to contribute meaningfully. When students and parents feel listened to and genuinely heard, when they're encouraged to express curiosity, they naturally feel more connected to their school. This isn’t merely maintaining the status quo; it’s actively enriching the community we’re building together.

But how do we practically shift from certainty towards curiosity?

It begins by asking more questions than we answer. For instance, instead of declaring "Here's how we’re going to address behaviour issues," we might ask, "What do you notice about how we handle behaviour, and how could we do better?" Such questions invite dialogue. They signal openness to growth and improvement. They foster a shared sense of responsibility, turning problems into shared opportunities.

We also need to become comfortable saying, "I don't know yet, but let’s find out together." This simple phrase is transformative. It signals vulnerability, yes, but more importantly, it indicates trust. Trust that the community can collectively find meaningful solutions. It's a powerful way to acknowledge that complexity isn’t a threat but a reality to engage with collaboratively.

Finally, curiosity means nurturing dialogue over time. Real connection grows when conversations don’t end once decisions are made. It requires returning to previous discussions to reflect on what has worked, what hasn’t, and what we’re learning along the way. It means showing that our curiosity isn’t superficial but ongoing, continuously deepening relationships that enrich school life.

When we prioritise curiosity over certainty, we’re not only deepening connections; we’re adding genuine meaning to the educational experience. Students see themselves as active participants rather than passive recipients. Parents feel involved rather than sidelined. Teachers feel empowered rather than directed. The entire community grows stronger as uncertainty becomes a shared opportunity rather than something to fear.

In schools, certainty might seem safer at first glance. But the real strength lies in the courage to lead with curiosity. It’s curiosity, after all, that transforms relationships into meaningful connections, fostering a sense of belonging that genuinely enriches us all.

As we finish this issue, here is a final thought from my book The Connection Curriculum:

"To create sustainable connection, we must invite unbridled creativity back into our schools and hand the reins over to deviation, to disruption, to imagination."

Thanks for reading.

I'm keeping specifics to myself at the moment, but I announced my new book (which I am currently finishing up) will be published in late 2025 in this post here. More to come on that front over the coming months.

Issues of this newsletter are published fortnightly/biweekly on Sunday mornings at 8am (GMT+11).

You can purchase my first book 'The Connection Curriculum: Igniting Positive Change in Schools Through Sustainable Connection' from your favourite online retailer now or use one of the links below:

📘 Amba Press: https://ambapress.com.au/collections/view-all/products/the-connection-curriculum

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📗 From me: www.mattpitman.com.au