2025 Paywise WAPPA Conference Keynote Speaker, Michelle Rushton
The Smiling Ox Paradox: Illuminating Your Leadership
– written by Julie Simpfendorfer
According to Michelle Rushton, we all do.
And, first Impressions count.
As a school leader, every time you step into the staffroom, front office or in front of the assembly, people are “sussing you out.” They are looking for two things – warmth (authenticity, trustworthiness, care) and strength (competence, commitment, composure).
This practical keynote from Michelle Rushton explored The Smiling Ox Paradox: the science of why some leaders are the kind others feel compelled to follow.
The paradox is that most leaders are seen as strong or warm, but rarely both. Michelle explained that truly influential leaders, the ones who inspire staff, support students and build trust with parents, have a balance of strength and warmth.
Michelle encouraged leaders to show warmth through small, genuine moments of attention and affirmation, while building strength by backing themselves and projecting composure, even if we have to sometimes “fake it till you make it” on the strength characteristics. However, she was very clear – never fake warmth! She also reminded us that slowing down and being intentional in how we show up makes a stronger impact than rushing.
School leaders left the session with practical advice and a renewed reminder that leadership impact is created in everyday micro-moments of portraying warmth and strength in equal measures.
If you attended the conference, Michelle has made her handbook available to participants, which contains more details about the Smiling Ox Paradox and how to master the balance between warmth and strength.
In the booklet, she explains:
- The science of why both warmth and strength are important.
- Why people won’t believe your message if they don’t believe you first.
- Strategies for developing warmth, which is shown through trustworthiness, likability, generosity and understanding.
- How to demonstrate strength through competence, commitment to follow through, confidence and composure.
- Why first impressions and a balance of warmth and strength will serve you well as a leader.
The following videos are also available to demonstrate some of the principles related to the Smiling Ox Paradox:
https://youtu.be/_DwdxLE99_E?si=TuXokNJ8QAw83g2y