Educator, mentor, counsellor, motivator, mediator, and even friend. School teachers and leaders are so much more than their title. On any given day, they wear many hats to fulfil the demands of their profession.  

However, with these different roles comes the toll of highly charged emotional labour. The Australian Principal Occupational, Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey 2020, has revealed that school leaders are overworked and fatigued from the stresses of their profession. 97% work overtime, and 3 in 10 were flagged ‘at risk’ in areas such as self-harm, quality of life and occupational health.

Queensland Education Leadership Institute (QELi) is one organisation that has recognised the importance of growing EI in school teachers and leaders. Learn how they worked with Genos on implementing EI into their leadership programs to enhance culture, professional wellbeing, and student outcomes.

Whether you’re a teacher, educational leader, or parent, this episode will provide valuable insight into:

Why EI is critical to teaching and leading in schools.

In this episode of EI of Work, we’re joined by Neil McDonald, Chief Executive Officer at QELi. Together with co-hosts Marie El Daghl and Genos International CEO, Dr Ben Palmer he discusses:

• The state of EI in the education sector.
• Why QELi built EI into its leadership development program and its impact.
• The role of EI across educational professions; from teachers and middle leaders to principals and system leaders.
• How the ability to manage emotions can improve colleague, parent, and student relationships.    
• How QELi uses Genos Leadership Assessments to assess and develop emotionally intelligent behaviours.
• The opportunity for EI in student growth and development.

About Neil McDonald

Neil McDonald is the Chief Executive Officer of QELi, an innovative not-for-profit institute committed to delivering excellence in leadership. QELi support leaders, schools, and organisations in establishing a strong vision, improving outcomes, and leading change.
Under Neil’s leadership, QELi engages with leaders worldwide. They work closely with schools to develop and deliver tailored leadership and capability professional development programs, for driving collaboration and organisational improvement.
Neil has over 25 years of school system and leadership experience as a teacher, principal, and Assistant Regional Director within the Department of Education. Prior to commencing at QELi, Neil was Executive Director, Organisational Transformation and Capability, in the Department of Education. Neil was instrumental in leading the Departments Teaching and School Leadership Program.

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Additional resources

Emotional Intelligence is backed by extensive research and results. For general EI research and papers click here, and to learn about the business case and value proposition of EI click here.

Learn more about Genos in your local market:
For Genos North America click here.
For Genos Europe click here.
For Genos International for all other markets click here.