A0 Laurie Campbell, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Oak Park Elementary District 97, 1978 Ford Mustang (used...obviously!). #IASPAchat@_IASPA_
Hello fellow #IASPAChat participants! I'm Elizabeth Sullivan, Compensation & Benefits Supervisor from Marshall, MN. I work at an educational service agency serving 18 counties and my first car was a Buick LeSabre.
Good Morning! Looking forward to an informative chat today. I am Josh Chambers, Asst Supt of HR for Glenbard D87. 1988 Ford Thunderbird Sports Coupe with a 5.0L V8 #IASPAchat@_IASPA_#ILHRLeaders
A0: Dale Fisher, Asst. Supt. for HR, Deerfield 109, Deerfield, IL. 1976 Mercury Grand Marquis. You'll correctly note that this is the "Uncle Buck" car from the 80's movie of the same name. It was a real treat to have such a bad car. 11 miles per gallon on gas! #IASPAchat
Good Morning #ILHRLeaders! Kathleen Kelly Colgan, Executive Director of Human Resources for J.Sterling Morton HS District 201 in Cicero, IL. My first car was a 1993 gold Saturn. Pretty sweet, clearly. #IASPAchat
A1: We try our best to keep the lines of communication open and make sure they're informed. One example is providing them with our board agenda a week prior to the meeting, when we send it out to the board members. #IASPAchat
Michael E. Robey, Ed. D., Assistant Regional Superintendent of Schools in DuPage County. 1973 Pontiac Lemans. Liked it so much it was also my second car after version 1 died. #IASPAchat
A1: I meet biweekly with the Union President to discuss issues or concerns. I also walk the halls in our buildings to start every morning, and do monthly lunch drop-ins at each building for staff. #IASPAchat
A1: I have had open conversations with union leadership explaining I strive to be fair and consistent while making student centered decisions. Everything 'works' better when we are able to discuss situations, concerns, etc. #IASPAchat#k12talent
A1: Transparent & proactive communication is key. Monthly meetings for face-to-face conversations have been helpful for proactive communication. #IASPAchat
A1: I go out of my way to loop in union leadership to make sure they are "in the know." I never stray away from this approach because it has eliminated any belief that information is being withheld. #IASPAchat
A1. Establishing trust w/ union (& anyone) starts w/ the small, mundane moments. Be fair/be honesty/have integrity in small (even non-work) moments to establish trust for more contentious moments, especially when you're asking for the benefit of doubt. #IASPAchat
In reply to
@_IASPA_, @Mschroeder6, @DaleFisherEdD, @_AASPA_, @azaspaa, @MASPAHR, @TASPA3, @OaspaBoard, @ilprincipals, @IllinoisASA, @Mjohann51, @JLiewehr, @JustinLSchooley
Monthly breakfasts, involve in decision-making process, monthly or weekly meetings to discuss issues prior to developing, encourage staff to join the union for knowledge and support. Can be a positive thing for both staff and admin. #IASPAchat
A1. Informal meetings based on just getting to know each other as people first. Lunch on me. Check-ins in their office space to say hi and see how things are going. And, keeping my word early on. #IASPAchat
A1: Both union leadership and myself are new to our roles…We have weekly touch bases scheduled to build a relationship and support each other in our shared effort to support others. #IASPAchat
A2 #IASPAchat@_IASPA_ The three skills most important to any relationship: presume positive intentions, seek to understand (aka listen first), and be hard on problems but soft on people.
A1: Both union leadership and myself are new to our roles…We have weekly touch bases scheduled to build a relationship and support each other in our shared effort to support others. #IASPAchat
A2: Being respectful, actively listening and being a good communicator are 3 interpersonal skills that will take you far in the union relationship (and pretty much all others!) #IASPAchat
A2: You must have strong interpersonal skills to resolve conflicts successfully. I think the top 3 are listening (hears all sides of a conflict), problem solving skills (with effective solutions), and verbal & non-verbal communication skills. #IASPAchat
A2: Communication (verbal & non-verbal), patience & problem solving are just 3 of the skills needed. They may change based on situation. #IASPAchat#k12talent
A2: Active listening, problem solving, and rapport building. All are key for any relational HR person to succeed. And I am by no means perfect. I work on these skills endlessly. #IASPAchat
A2 #IASPAchat@_IASPA_ The three skills most important to any relationship: presume positive intentions, seek to understand (aka listen first), and be hard on problems but soft on people.
A3: We have a District Insurance Committee that determine our rates, we overhauled our Evaluation model through a large committee, and we have staff serving on committees for our referendum construction projects. #IASPAchat
A3: Our evaluation, culture, & calendar committees w/reps selected by the union have a history of positive collaborative partnerships/outcomes. Our evaluation process is a great example of our teamwork. Ea. year we revamp the process based on our collective feedback. #IASPAchat
A3: One of our greatest successes was the partnership that was forged in the overhauling of our evaluation system. Honest communication about what each side needed for the system to succeed was honored at all times. #IASPAchat
A3: We have several joint efforts with our union. One of the biggest that comes to mind deals with internal staffing. We work together when it comes to adds/cuts to make sure we are on the same page; helps the process go much smoother when we collaborate. #IASPAchat#k12talent
A3 In @GlenbardDist87 we do many things collaboratively with @Gea87 Evaluation, Professional Development, and technology are all areas where our decisions are shaped by groups working together. #ILHRLeaders#IASPAchat@_IASPA_
A3: We have made an effort to partner on joint communications to staff to show our aligned thinking and beliefs related to supporting our learning community. #IASPAchat
A3: We have made an effort to partner on joint communications to staff to show our aligned thinking and beliefs related to supporting our learning community. #IASPAchat
A4: I've learned things work out much better/relationship is better overall when I 'keep them in the loop' on larger issues. My approach always focuses on remaining fair, consistent and referencing the CBA. #IASPAchat#k12talent
Q4: Fences make great neighbors (and for great union relationships).
It's crucial to define which decisions are shared and are up for discussion, and which are the rightful responsibility of leadership (...with collective input, of course.)
#IASPAchat
A4: Always pick up the phone or meet face-face-to face when there's conflict. Back and forth emails cannot replace the power of hearing someone's voice and working through an issue. #IASPAchat
A4: I learned that even though I saw myself as having strong relationships with staff prior to coming into this role, that everything changed and that I needed to work to gain trust again. #IASPAchat
A4: Uncomfortable discourse is commonplace but necessary. Ethical and honest communication from day 1 helps eradicate barriers and engage in problem solving. #IASPAchat
A4 Work with and not against. Know the real power brokers because it can turn around on you quickly. Communicate jointly because union leaders don’t always know or pursue explanations the same as you would and there can be mis-perception. #IASPAchat
A4. Be clear to avoid misunderstandings, if you're not sure, ask and take good notes. In the end, it helps everyone. Remember we are ALL educators and working together! #IASPAchat
A4: I have quickly learned, and appreciate, the proactive check-in...with the intent of seeking to understand for joint problem-solving purposes. #IASPAchat
A4: #IASPAchat@_IASPA_ Be open, be humble, but don't be afraid to stand up for what is good for students. A focus on students is a place where common ground is often found.
A4: I've learned things work out much better/relationship is better overall when I 'keep them in the loop' on larger issues. My approach always focuses on remaining fair, consistent and referencing the CBA. #IASPAchat#k12talent
Q5: Not really. I embrace conflict and the chance to debate. I always go into a discussion with the question "How does this help our students?" #IASPAchat
A4: Uncomfortable discourse is commonplace but necessary. Ethical and honest communication from day 1 helps eradicate barriers and engage in problem solving. #IASPAchat
A. Honest communication, based on established mutual trust & respect has been essential in developing a positive relationship with our union. #IASPAchat
A4 Work with and not against. Know the real power brokers because it can turn around on you quickly. Communicate jointly because union leaders don’t always know or pursue explanations the same as you would and there can be mis-perception. #IASPAchat
A5. I don't know if we purposefully identified this, but I can say we have really focused on hearing each other and acknowledging each other's perspective #IASPAchat
A5: Again, work through conflict in a face-to-face setting or via phone. We have each other's cell numbers to seek to understand or clarify as issues arise. Meeting in person is preferred when there are issues that need to be problem solved at a deeper level. #IASPAchat
A5: One norm is no surprises. We keep each other informed and work hard to be proactive with communication. Conflict is inevitable but we need to disagree with respect. As stated before, hard on problems..easy on people. #iaspachat@_IASPA_
A5 Probably the rule that we attempt to live by is #NoSurprises Building issues should not be brought to me before they have been discussed with the Principal. And vice-versa. This has worked well for our relationships. #IASPAchat#ILHRLeaders@_IASPA_
A5: There are a multitude of devices at our fingertips that allows us to inform each other of what is occurring ASAP, so surprises are dramatically reduced. We do this so at a minimum, they know that I'm sharing what I can share at that particular moment in time. #IASPAchat
A5 Be proactive and understand that you have the time, they may not because they are teaching (usually). Try to be support and make it easy for them by providing research, suggestions, options. #IASPAchat
A4: #IASPAchat@_IASPA_ Be open, be humble, but don't be afraid to stand up for what is good for students. A focus on students is a place where common ground is often found.
A5: Again, work through conflict in a face-to-face setting or via phone. We have each other's cell numbers to seek to understand or clarify as issues arise. Meeting in person is preferred when there are issues that need to be problem solved at a deeper level. #IASPAchat
A5: We have mutually agreed to encourage individuals with concerns to begin resolution attempts with the source at the building-level prior to seeking union or district-level support. #IASPAchat
Q5: Not really. I embrace conflict and the chance to debate. I always go into a discussion with the question "How does this help our students?" #IASPAchat
A5 Probably the rule that we attempt to live by is #NoSurprises Building issues should not be brought to me before they have been discussed with the Principal. And vice-versa. This has worked well for our relationships. #IASPAchat#ILHRLeaders@_IASPA_
A6: I try to be as transparent, straight forward, and timely as I can. We want both sides to reach out as soon as there is a question or a concern. #IASPAchat
A6: Consistent, frequent, open, and honest. You can't build a relationship without communication, so being in touch with each other often is critical. #IASPAchat
Q6:
1. Be slow to speak/quick to listen
2. Fight the temptation to assume intent (no attribution).
3. Considering all things, including the fidelity of contract language and the health of the system, ...side with the employee when you can.
#IASPAchat
A6: We have four different union groups in District 97. Weekly meetings with the teachers union (500+ employees). Monthly with the Teaching Assistant and Educational Support Personnel Unions, Custodial Union as needed. #IASPAchat@_IASPA_
A6: Early, often, and open. It took a lot of focus to get to this point but it has become our norm. In the end, there has to be a sense of partnership otherwise the possibility for a contentious relationship will quickly settle in. #IASPAchat
A6: Our communication approach has been very open & honest. As partnered problem-solvers, we both need to know exactly what we are dealing with so we can bring our best solutions to the table. #IASPAchat
Yes, returning emails and calls in a timely fashion and sharing when you'll look into something. Often times not stating that you'll get back to them (and ignoring an email) or following thru on your word is when people lose trust. Yes, @HerschelHannah#IASPAchat
A7: Annually, we review the CBAs with administration and ask if there are any questions they have in interpreting the language. We ask them for input when we are negotiating any new language or making changes to current. Lastly, instruct them to ask before doing if ?s. #IASPAchat
Being timely is a theme that I'm picking up on today's chat too @petetheiseD99HR. People must communicate proactively and follow up on what they say they will do. #IASPAchat
A6: I try to be as transparent, straight forward, and timely as I can. We want both sides to reach out as soon as there is a question or a concern. #IASPAchat
Always refer here first and follow what it says. The CBA is not optional! Discuss changes jointly with union leadership. Any challenges presented ... OK, let’s talk. Most are here to do the right thing and what is best for students. #IASPAchat
A7: This is an ongoing process. 4 CBAs make it complex. When we have issues, we talk as individuals or bring it to the entire team. I use our weekly Admin Update email for reminders related to the CBAs. #IASPAchat@_IASPA_
A7. Informally at this point and referencing items as issues come up. Try to point admin to the specific language as much as possible so people learn where to look and the habit of consulting the CBA when decision making. #IASPAchat
A7: We are constantly referring to CBA language and if it is unclear, we discuss as a team to come to an understanding and make sure we are all on the same page - again, focusing on fair & consistent helps tremendously. #IASPAchat#k12talent
A8: Making sure leadership all have the most recent CBA!
Reviewing the CBA to ensure leadership is familiar with the language and any changes that may have occurred over time. #IASPAchat
A7: We explain the "why," remind them of timelines, review monthly Principal Advisory Committee mins (joint meeting b/w building reps/principal) & offer support/follow up, & offer support/coach when applying aspects of the CBA that we know are sensitive. #IASPAchat
A7: Much like my last response; early, often, and open. We educate our admin team as soon as possible about the culture that we have created and why adherence to the verbiage agreed to in the CBA is critical. Failure to comply results in mistrust, which erodes culture! #IASPAchat
A7: We explain the "why," remind them of timelines, we follow up on our joint meeting b/w cabinet & union leadership & offer support/follow up as needed, & offer support/coach when applying aspects of the CBA that we know are sensitive. #IASPAchat
A7: I’ve noticed that most support calls arrive prior to admin, and staff, checking the CBA on their own. Applying the CBA correctly across the system begins with staff accessing the CBA to find answers and/or know which questions to ask. #IASPAchat
Our union is doing a spectacular job this year of highlighting an aspect of the CBA each month so that their members understand the CBA too. It's great for all parties to know what's in the CBA. #IASPAchat
A7: I’ve noticed that most support calls arrive prior to admin, and staff, checking the CBA on their own. Applying the CBA correctly across the system begins with staff accessing the CBA to find answers and/or know which questions to ask. #IASPAchat
A7: This is an ongoing process. 4 CBAs make it complex. When we have issues, we talk as individuals or bring it to the entire team. I use our weekly Admin Update email for reminders related to the CBAs. #IASPAchat@_IASPA_
Thanks for the mention! Mschroeder6: Yes, work through the proper channels first! JRChambersD87 I agree with the "no surprises" rule. #IASPAchathttps://t.co/vmYga2rp0O
A5 Probably the rule that we attempt to live by is #NoSurprises Building issues should not be brought to me before they have been discussed with the Principal. And vice-versa. This has worked well for our relationships. #IASPAchat#ILHRLeaders@_IASPA_
Love this idea! I have done this with some areas (ex: types of Leaves and when they can be used) by sharing in our weekly District Wide Communications email. #IASPAchat
