In this week's episode, we welcome back Lucy Lewin, Founder of 85-Place Day Nursery and The Profitable Nursery Academy. Lucy shares with us the value of adopting a strength-based approach in early years settings and embracing one's natural abilities. We also discuss the importance of fostering a work culture of psychological safety, open communication and one that encourages a collaborative mindset, seeking solutions together. Lucy highlights how leaders and managers can effectively engage with their staff, celebrating the uniqueness of each individual, as well as how they can build trust and partnership with the children's families.

Want to skip ahead?

(0:00-2:50) Introduction to Lucy and a strength-based approach

(2:50-7:05) How to facilitate a strength-based approach in your setting

(7:05-15:40) How to encourage staff to open up about what makes them uncomfortable

(15:40-20:10) How to work with people who don't yet understand how you work

(20:10-25:33) Finding courage to be direct as a leader during performance feedback

(25:33-28:00) Transitioning into a leader that isn't afraid of difficult discussions and the importance of journalling

(28:00-28:13) Ad break

(28:13-32:10) Being open, honest and vulnerable, without sharing the burden of leadership

(32:10-37:00) Being honest with children's families and the importance of partnerships

(37:07-39:26) Seeing behind the filtered/perfect versions of people's work and success

(39:26-42:42) How Lucy keeps herself motivated through all the challenges

(42:42-45:50) Adapting your leadership in recognition that everyone's unique

(45:50-48:40) Striving for 50% of your day to be made up of the tasks you love & ensuring the right people are doing the right job

(48:40-50:03) Lucy's book on empowering yourself to lead through the lens of strengths

(50:03-50:59) Final notes and goodbye

Links

Lucy's previous POD-CACHE episode: https://podcache.podbean.com/e/s3e04/

The Profitable Nursery Academy: https://theprofitablenurseryacademy.com/

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