Posts Tagged ‘mentor’

09
Dec
2013

Week 16: Critical Conversations as an Administrator: #SAVMP

categories: Weekly Updates

“We succeed or fail one conversation at a time.”

Hard conversations are never easy. Regardless of how “right” they may be, it doesn’t make it any easier on the person giving it, or the person receiving it. It can be one of  the most difficult parts of an administrators job, and can easily turn into a disaster. When problems arise, in the worst companies people will withdraw into silence. In the best companies, people will hold a crucial confrontation, face to face and in the moment. And they’ll hold it well.

Dialogue example – Steps to Mastering a Crucial Conversation

Before embarking on a critical, or crucial, conversation…ask yourself these three questions:

  1. How important is it for the students or staff that I bring this up? Is it a “me” thing or is it an”impacting student success” thing?
  2. Is what is going on in the classroom unsafe or damaging to students or staff?
  3. What would happen if I didn’t have the conversation?

 

Other tips to keep in mind:

  • Have a plan. Who will be involved in the conversation? Where will it take place? When will it happen? Will it be documented?
  • What should your role be? Remember to listen to all parties involved. Be genuine in your efforts to resolve the issue at hand. Find a solution that fits. Beware of hidden agendas.
  • You are the LEADER. It all begins and ends with you. The tone, intent, and follow through are all going to depend on how you handle the situation.

There will be a google hangout this week on “Critical Conversations”, stay tuned! (I will update this post when time and guests are decided!)

 

For your prompt for this week, blog about how you handle crucial conversations and at what point you step in to have them. What advice would you give to a new administrator in having to have a crucial, or fierce, conversation?

Have a great week, and where ever you are, stay warm!

Amber

Resources used  and for more information:

Crucial Conversations:  Tools for talking when stakes are high  Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler

Crucial Accountability:  Tools for Resolving Violated Expectations, Broken Commitments, and Bad Behavior

Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler

Fierce Conversations:  Achieving Success at Work and in Life, One Conversation at a Time

Susan Scott

Critical Conversations for Dummies

Dr. Christina Schlachter

 

 

09
Aug
2013

Week 2 – Your Vision For School #SAVMP

categories: Weekly Updates

I wanted to personally thank so many people for sharing so many inspirational posts and stories this week through their blogs and the #SAVMP hashtag.  I have really enjoyed seeing this program start off strong due to your passion for making a difference.  Thank you.

In my own belief, as leaders, we must know ourselves before we can lead our schools.  Many of you had the chance to look at your own “why” and why you lead.  The next thing that I believe is helpful is to have a clear focus on what we would like our school or organization to become.  If you are asked “what is your vision for school?”, it is important that are able to answer this.  We are unable to lead our schools if we do not know where are we headed.

As suggested viewing, I encourage you to watch the following Simon Sinek Ted Talk on what makes an organization great.

For a prompt this week, I encourage you to develop your “philosophy of education’ to try and articulate your view for leadership and what schools should look like.

As a sample, I have written the following post to give you an idea of what this could look like.  Also, if you have written something like this before, I encourage you to either share what you have or revamp it and share.

Here is also a great Ted Talk from Seth Godin regarding his beliefs for school:

As you write your post, I encourage you (as I do for all posts) to use the #savmp hashtag in your title so that it is more likely to be shared to the hashtag.

None of these are mandatory posts, but just suggestions to help you get to know yourself, while also helping to build connections between mentors and mentees.

To anyone who is not officially in the program, you are more than welcome to take part in the activities and share with others.

Please feel free to use the comment section to share your thoughts on anything that I have shared above or any ideas that you have before.

Have a great week!

George