Brilliant teachers often get tapped on the shoulder. They are full of enthusiasm, feel respected among students, and are technically excellent. Over the years, they have been promoted to positions like the Head of Department, a Year Level Coordinator, or an Assistant Principal. But nobody ever asks whether they are ready or not. Nobody makes an effort to check whether they really possess the skills to lead a team, manage conflict, or set a strategic direction. They simply get promoted based on teaching skills and are left to figure it out on their own.
Such teachers are undoubtedly talented as educators, but may not have the necessary leadership skills. This is what accidental leadership looks like, and I have seen it across so many Australian schools. After working with over 5,000 educators across more than 500 schools all over the country, I can definitely tell you one thing – the consequences of accidental leadership are significant, but entirely preventable.
Most Australian school leaders are promoted based on their seniority or qualification, not based on their teaching ability or leadership readiness. Led by Janine Stratford, former Deputy Principal and ICF-accredited coach, Coaching Focus provides structured leadership development programs for educators across Australia. Programs like Elevating Leadership Program and the Leadership Blueprint are designed to close the gap between natural talent and trained, intentional leadership.
What Is ‘Accidental’ Leadership And Why Does it Hurt Schools?
Accidental leadership happens when promotion is driven solely by performance in a previous role, rather than preparedness for the next one. It is one of the most common patterns in education, and probably one of the most costly. When leaders are left for self-development ‘on the job’ without any structured support, the results tend to follow a familiar pattern.
- High-performing teachers lose confidence the moment they have to manage a peer
- Team culture becomes inconsistent, shaped by personality rather than intention
- Small issues often escalate, and conflict is avoided or mismanaged
- Burnout increases visibly, especially in middle leadership roles
- The school gains an overwhelmed leader and loses one of its best teachers
The concern is not about these educators lacking capability; it is about the fact that they were not given the necessary knowledge and tools.
Ready to stop leaving leadership to chance?
The Difference Between a Natural Leader and a Trained One
Natural leaders exist. But even the most instinctively capable person will plateau without structured development. As a former Deputy Principal and now as an ICF Professional Certified Coach with 28+ years in education, I have seen this play out in hundreds of schools. The educator who tackles the classroom brilliantly may still struggle with certain things. Here are some of the most common ones I have seen.
- Have a difficult performance conversation without damaging the relationship.
- Delegate effectively without the insecurity of losing control.
- Communicate a clear vision that their team actually follows.
- Build accountability structures that do not rely entirely on them.
These are not just instincts, but skills. And like all other skills, they need to be taught, practised, and reinforced.
The Risk of Leaving Leadership Development to Chance
I have seen that many schools in Australia consider leadership development as a ‘pick up along the way’ skill, and let me tell you, they are not just risking one person’s career. They are risking the culture of the entire team. Inconsistent leadership creates inconsistent schools, which causes staff morale to drop when teams do not even feel clearly directed or supported. Students instantly feel the shift in environment. As a result, the school loses the cultural momentum it has spent years building.
All this makes it extremely important to understand that the stakes are too high to leave leadership to chance.
What Structured Leadership Development Actually Looks Like
At Coaching Focus, our approach to leadership training for educators is built on a simple premise: leaders grow fastest when they have a clear framework, regular reflection, and practical tools that can be applied immediately. Ours is a 4-module professional development journey specifically designed for aspiring, new, and current middle leaders in schools.
Across four focused workshops, here is what participants build.
- Self-awareness through DISC behavioural profiling
- Confidence in managing conflict and difficult conversations
- Practical coaching skills to build team accountability
- Strategies to lead teams through change and challenge
For leaders who are already experienced but need greater strategic clarity, the Focused 1-Day Intensive helps them define their leadership brand, align their team, and lead with purpose and direction. If your school has been planning to develop an entire cohort of middle leaders, Coaching Focus is the expert that tailors a program around your context, timeline, and goals.
It Is Not Too Late to Get this Right
If someone on your team was promoted and left to figure out leadership on their own, it is not a failure. It has simply become the norm in Australian education. However, who said the norm has to be the standard? Why not let that be structured? ‘Structured’ is not a luxury, but the single most important investment a school can make in its culture, staff retention, and long-term impact.
Want to talk through what your school needs?
Frequently Asked Questions About How Accidental Leadership Hurts Australian Schools
What is ‘accidental leadership’ in schools?
Accidental leadership in schools refers to educators who are promoted into leadership roles, such as Head of Department or Year Level Coordinator, based on their teaching performance, without receiving any formal leadership training or development. While they may be talented educators, they are often left without the skills, frameworks, or coaching support needed to lead a team effectively, which can lead to burnout, inconsistent school culture, and declining staff morale.
How can schools in Australia support new middle leaders?
Australian schools can support new middle leaders by investing in structured leadership development programs that go beyond one-off workshops. Effective approaches include building self-awareness through tools like DISC profiling, developing conflict management and coaching skills, and giving new leaders a clear framework for their role. Programs like the Elevating Leadership Program by Coaching Focus are designed specifically for this purpose and can be completed online across 12-24 months.
What is the difference between leadership coaching and leadership training for teachers?
Leadership training for teachers typically involves structured workshops or programs that build specific skills, such as communication, conflict resolution, and strategic planning. Leadership coaching is a more personalised, one-to-one process focused on the individual leader’s goals, challenges, and growth. At Coaching Focus, both are integrated – program participants receive group learning combined with coaching conversations, ensuring that learning is both practical and deeply personal to their leadership context.
Is there a leadership program designed specifically for educators in Australia?
Yes. Coaching Focus offers a range of leadership development programs designed exclusively for educators and school leaders across Australia. The Elevating Leadership Program is a 4-module online program for aspiring and current middle leaders, while the Leadership Blueprint is a 1-day strategic intensive program for experienced leaders. Both are delivered by Janine Stratford, a former Deputy Principal and ICF Professional Certified Coach with over 28 years in the education sector.
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