In his book, Good to Great, Jim Collins says that the secret of a great organisation is not its people.  Rather, it is having the right people on the bus - and in the right seats.

The metaphorical bus, like any school, accommodates a range of individuals with varying strengths, weaknesses, ideas and aspirations.

If it is to reach its destination of "greatness" "and not become a roller coaster in a changing world" its passengers must be linked by a common set of values, a shared vision, complementary strengths and a collective commitment.

It's interesting to note that Collins gives priority to having the right people in the right places over decisions about planning and strategies.

Once this priority is observed, he says, motivation, management and strategic operation will proceed more naturally and smoothly.

The bus that puts the WHO before the WHAT, and the WHERE, is in the best position to respond constructively to a changing environment, and to lead transformative change within that environment.

This bus analogy fits in well with some of our guiding themes: the Catholic school as a learning community, distributive leadership and a sharpening of focus on core purposes.

It also offers us some important challenges.  For instance:

• How can we attract people of talent and commitment to our school leadership positions?

• How can we select and induct the right teachers, who will focus on the school's core purpose?  And how will we provide for their ongoing development? (The huge advantage of principals being able to select their own new staff in Catholic schools should never be underestimated.)

• How can we create an environment or culture that encourages and rewards the type of people our communities need?

• How can we give the right people room to move, to be creative, to work in their area of strength, and to enhance the quality of the ride?