There are lessons like cleaning your teeth, washing, and cooking that everyone has to learn in life. But a lesson that comes only to some can reveal the secret of the true nature of power. Many worship power. Many more strive for it and spend much of their lives chasing after it. But power always resides elsewhere, however much responsibility your job gives you. This truth applies to every head of FE department, curriculum manager, middle and senior manager in education. It applies even to the most powerful person you can imagine on earth – even the American President, or the Pharoah of Egypt himself was at the mercy of untamed external forces; the markets, the electorate, the climate or even their own partner. Every one of us is just riding the tiger. The only real power any of us really has is the power to influence another person. This realisation can shift the way one sees educational institutions. The whole purpose and focus of what we do throughout education is about maximising the influence we have on those in our classrooms. Everything is supposed to focus on that. That’s why the teacher stands where the rubber hits the road, where the needle hits the groove. It is not done in consultants’ apparently revolutionary programmes, nor in long management meetings or inspectors’ curt briefings. Not even in dubious ministerial appointments. Education happens where a teacher influences a student. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week subscribe Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.