The quickest way to sabotage our influence, quickly followed by a loss of confidence, is through hierarchical thinking. This is where we unconsciously rank people by status, money, or power.
Like it or not, education runs on hierarchy. Titles, pay scales, leadership structures are all built into the system. Over time, it is easy to internalise these structures and start viewing ourselves, and others, through the ‘accepted’ lens. For example, we may catch ourselves thinking “I’m just a teacher” or feeling invisible beside someone with a more senior role or a louder voice.
This is hierarchical thinking at work, and it has the potential to sabotage our confidence, creativity, and career choices.
When we unconsciously rank people by title or perceived power, we shrink our sense of worth. We hesitate to share ideas, underestimate our expertise, and seek permission rather than opportunity. In a profession where our influence depends on connection, curiosity, and courage, this mindset can make us feel smaller than we are.
If you are a teacher thinking of staying long term in the profession, hierarchical thinking can block the growth and progress you crave. It keeps you focused on surviving rather than creating; and chasing approval instead of following your purpose. Seeing leadership as a way of being, rather than a position can be helpful. Teachers who make the biggest difference often lead sideways (not upward) through collaboration, ideas, and authenticity.
If you are a teacher thinking of leaving the profession, hierarchical thinking can whisper that moving away is a step down (I often hear people say ‘All I know is teaching. Who will want to employ me in the outside world?’). Changing career does not have to be a downward move. Teaching requires skills such as communication, empathy, adaptability, and problem-solving, all of which are deeply transferable. The only thing that keeps them boxed in, is a belief that your worth depends on a title and is limited by your experience as a teahcer.
So what is the alternative? To shift beyond hierarchy, it can be useful to develop a practice of relational thinking instead. This changes your focus from ranking to relating. It is about recognising that influence flows between people, not down from the top.
Here’s a few ideas to help you get started:
- Ask ‘What can we create or learn together?’ rather than ‘Who is in charge?’
- See people, including yourself, not by rank, but by the resourcefulness and the expertise on offer.
- Explore, discover and find value from, and in, every interaction you have regardless of the other person’s role.
- Treat your own experience as valuable currency knowing that you can choose where to spend it.
- Instead of asking ‘Where do I fit?’ ask ‘How can I contribute?’
- Replace “I’m just a teacher” with “I’m a professional who shapes understanding and progress every day.”
- Ask, “What matters most to you?” before offering your view because true influence grows through curiosity and empathy.
Influence (and impact) doesn’t depend on where you sit in the system. It depends on how you show up. Whether you are leading a classroom or department or leading your entry into a new career, it’s time to leave the hierarchical thinking behind and start leading from within.
Photo credit: BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash