Show, Don’t Tell: Transforming Management Styles in Day Nurseries

As a Day Nursery Owner, you rely on your managers to inspire, guide, and support their teams. However, it’s not uncommon to hear complaints about management styles that lean heavily on telling rather than showing. This can lead to disengaged staff, higher turnover, and even grievances. To turn this around, let’s borrow a concept from the classroom: Show and Tell—but with a twist. For managers, the mantra should be Show, Don’t Tell.

Why Showing Matters

Think back to when you were learning something new. Did someone simply explain it to you, or did they take the time to demonstrate and guide you through the process? The same principle applies to effective management. Telling a team member what to do—without demonstrating how—can leave them feeling unsupported or even criticised. Generation Z, that’s employees who were born between 1997 and 2012 do not respond to criticism and may well leave rather than talk about the feedback they have received.

By showing rather than telling, managers can:

• Set clear expectations: Demonstrating how a task should be done removes ambiguity and helps team members understand what “good” looks like.
• Build confidence: Staff feel more capable when they see how to do something in practice, rather than being left to figure it out themselves. They may find they can ask questions easier in the moment than they do later.
• Foster respect: Managers who model the behaviour they expect earn respect and loyalty from their team.

The Impact of “Show, Don’t Tell”

When managers adopt this approach, it transforms their relationship with their team. Staff feel guided and valued rather than micromanaged or lectured. Over time, this creates a culture of trust and collaboration. Staff are more likely to stay with your nursery, reducing turnover and avoiding costly recruitment cycles.

How to Encourage Showing in Your Nursery

1. Model the Behaviour: As the Day Nursery Owner, demonstrate the importance of leading by example. Show your managers how to coach and support their teams and you should coach your manager to have these skills.
2. Provide Training: Equip managers with the skills to teach and mentor, not just direct. Leadership training can focus on practical techniques for showing and involving their team.
3. Celebrate Success: Recognise managers who exemplify “showing” behaviours. Positive reinforcement can encourage others to follow suit. Make it your way.

By encouraging your managers to “Show, Don’t Tell,” you’ll cultivate a happier, more engaged workforce. Your team will feel supported, and your nursery will reap the rewards of a positive, collaborative culture.

So, why not start today? After all, the best lessons are those we show, not just tell.

If we can be of any assistance with any aspect of people management, please give us a call on 01527 909436.