Melinda Earsing, English T at RCHS in Boone County. Im looking for any insight to becoming an administrator. I’m currently working through my Rank I in Educational Leadership. #admin2b
Russell Leonard from Auburn, Al. Communication is one of the most important skills to have to work in an effective environment. Always looking to improve in that manner. #admin2b
Good Evening! Jaclyn, 1st grade teacher from Chicagoland area. My goal for this chat is to find more ways to be intentional in my conversations with colleagues, as my dream position is to be an instructional coach. #admin2b
A1 I want to hear what other people have to say. I love solutions driven conversations so having parents or teachers or students look at and discuss possible solutions is key. I always ask kids to reflect on “how we can fix this?” #admin2b
Eric Blankenship Conner Middle School. I finished Rank 1 last year in admin and looking to collaborate and learn as much as I can from experienced leaders. #admin2b
A1: 5. Conversation must be back and forth. There’s so much more to having a conversation that talking. You have to listen, but also consider that their perspective is valuable and must be considered. It needs to be a 2 way street and not just talking at people. #admin2b
A1: I think the second statement resonates most with me. I think the most meaningful part of a conversation is the one where we are listening. #admin2b
A1: I am an actions speak louder than words person, so I believe that 'conversations should be life giving.' I hope that from any professional conversation I have with peers, we are able to create a tangible solution or creative idea that will enhance our practices. #admin2b
A1: my favorite of these to keep in mind is that all conversations should be life-giving! It really frames the conversation and helps@me approach it the right way! #admin2b
Q1- All of these are good thinking points. Personally, it’s hard to pick one, but I’m going with the “don’t judge” one. If we can carry on an active conversation without judging then we can actively listen and have true understanding. #admin2b
A1 - This is tricky and dependingon the situation could be different. Usually I would say back and forth. But more often it is important as an administrator to listen more to get the full perspective of your students, faculty, staff and community. #admin2b
A1: 2. Conversations are so powerful when each person involved is actively listening and empathetic. They are heard, seen and felt.
"Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." - Stephen R. Covey #admin2b
A1: Pt.2 - So many of these are chain linked to one another. If you can actively listen, then there is a natural back and forth, building trust without judgement and inspiring life into our practices! #admin2b
A2: Never thought about that, but that’s very important to practice. We shouldn’t go into conversation thinking we know everything, especially the tough ones. We may learn something new by opening our eyes and trying to listen. #admin2b
#admin2b A2- I believe I am good at listening with empathy while suspending assumptions. My biggest weakness that I am working on is “just listening”. Not everyone wants advice. It’s very hard to listen with empathy and not try to offer advice.
A2: As someone who is data strong, staff will come with questions about their classroom data. This can be tricky because it is important to address areas for growth in regards to S learning. I like to ask, what is happening right now in your classroom with XYZ students? #admin2b
A2: To me, this means really start the conversation with a desire to understand something you may not and consider things you don’t already know instead of just pushing your opinion on someone. #admin2b
A2: I believe the old saying, “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” fits here. It has taken years and still a work in progress to listen first to know the right questions to ask that drive inquiries. We must first understand the person before we can know how 2 question #admin2b
Hi, I’m Lori. My goal this evening is to be open-minded and learn a bit while I’m here. I’m working on my leadership skills and believe that conversations are an integral part of collaboration. #admin2b
#admin2b a2. Sometimes it's difficult to articulate what you don't know. I tend to keep asking questions until I unravel the real question. Hope that makes sense. #admin2b
A2: Interrogating someone’s reality will bring you closer to understanding. In difficult conversations, asking questions to better understand is my strategy. Never judging, just trying to listen to understand. #admin2b
A2: I know I usually come to a conversation having things planned out in my head but recognizing that it might not play out that exact way and may even be for the betterment of all involved. #admin2b
A2: This is a subtle art. I think overly pushing inquiry can seem like there is an ulterior motive, so it must be made clear to the other person that the inquiry is to gain understanding. #admin2b
A2: Maybe I'm just a very direct person, but I like to ask, "what is your intention for this discussion?" It eliminates me from wondering what the professional wants, and then we can both leave (hopefully) content with our outcome. #admin2b
A2: Maybe I'm just a very direct person, but I like to ask, "what is your intention for this discussion?" It eliminates me from wondering what the professional wants, and then we can both leave (hopefully) content with our outcome. #admin2b
A3: Communicating those goals, and leading everything back to that. Everyone should agree that what is best for students should be the desired outcome of every conversation. #admin2b
A3 Common goal - to help kids, and in tough conversations, this can be THE common ground. Another common ground - we're both people. One of the best admins I ever worked with always started conversations with asking how you are doing personally, making it clear she cared #admin2b
A3: We must keep the focus to what is best for the whole student to be successful. Then empathize and listen to those in the conversation to find a common path to achieve student growth while always connecting to the students’ best interests #admin2b
My therapist once said: you need to tell the other person (in a conversation): a) I need you to just listen b) I need validation or c) I need to problem solve with you. I think it's fair to give the listener a heads up, I'm venting/I need reassuring or help me. #admin2b
A2: Inquiry in conversations is vital to determining and clarifying another’s point of view. Assumptions can get you into trouble quickly. Listen first, clarify second (at least that is my goal). #admin2b
A4: Actively listening to people and considering their perspective. People will trust you when they know you care about them and their thoughts. #admin2b
A4 I think being honest and open is key. And, going back to the last question, defining our common goals and common ground and holding tightly to them. The last element is time - trust takes time #admin2b
A4: Listen first, build relationships, give autonomy and empower teachers to make decisions. Value and praise their efforts to genuinely help students. #admin2b
A3: Before you start, always remember the person in front of you be it, student, teacher, parent etc. is a human being. With their own life, own perspective, own set of problems, own thoughts and feelings. Establish what your goals are for the conversation together. #admin2b
#admin2B YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME! I loved this chat. I really liked the book Better Conversations that inspired the chat. Check it out!! Thank you a for sharing tonight.
A4: Everyday I try to ask a new colleague if theres something I can do to help today. While they may not take me up on the offer I make sure they know it still stands if they need anything. Sometimes making some last minute copies is all a T needed to know someone cares #admin2b
#admin2B TRUST is a MUST. As an admin I will vow to keep conversations private. What happens behind closed doors stays there. It only takes one incident of mistrust to ruin the bond. When that sets in- it can spread like a poison and your character is ruined.
I think Admin often ask for feedback but either rarely want true feedback or Ts rarely give it honestly. A good admin/leader will value honest feedback & then show they care by using it & implementing Ts opinions! Being a trusted leader is a skill. #admin2b
A4: I believe building trust starts with faculty and staff knowing that you care and are there to support them and the students. As the administrator, they are looking to you to start this process, then they will “trust” that you are safe to follow. #admin2b
