Ep. 2 - The Psychology of Leading: Building Inclusive Schools

In this episode of Between Two Psychs, Adam McCartney and Mike Lane continue their three-part series exploring psychology in education this week turning the spotlight on leadership. Moving beyond models and hierarchies, they unpack how psychological principles can shape more compassionate, empowered and inclusive school cultures.

Drawing from Adam’s research on empowerment and communities of practice and Mike’s application of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and the SCARF model, this episode explores how understanding human motivation, belonging and autonomy can transform the way leaders engage their teams and sustain inclusive practice.

From headteachers navigating role identity to teachers finding their professional voice, this conversation bridges theory and lived experience reminding us that great leadership begins with self-awareness, trust and a shared sense of purpose.

In this episode we talk about:

✨How school leaders can apply psychological theory not just management frameworks to lead more effectively

✨Adam’s empowerment model: aligning identity, role and control to create autonomy and trust

✨Using communities of practice (Wenger, 1998) to understand how professionals learn and evolve together

✨Why micromanagement undermines inclusion and innovation and how leaders can foster agency instead

✨Mike’s application of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to leadership: meeting physical and emotional needs before introducing change

✨Exploring the SCARF model (Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Fairness) as a practical framework for safe, motivated teams

✨The psychological importance of belonging and how fairness, recognition, and connection create cultures where staff thrive

✨Why clarity of vision and ethos helps align every role in a school toward inclusion

✨How leadership psychology mirrors what we know about supporting students: safety, trust and meaningful connection

This conversation invites leaders, SENCOs and educators alike to look inward to understand not just what they lead, but how they lead. When schools build systems grounded in psychological safety, fairness and belonging, inclusion stops being a directive and becomes part of the culture.

✨Resources Mentioned:

• Communities of Practice Etienne Wenger (1998)
• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Need
• The SCARF Model David Rock (2008)

Connect with Mike Lane
Website: https://www.ridgewaypsychology.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/michael-lane-4304a3123

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dradammcartney/

  Website: https://www.dradammccartney.com/

  Thank you for joining this episode of Between Two Psychs. Leadership begins with understanding people and psychology gives us the tools to lead with empathy, clarity and purpose.