TL;DR: There are a number of de-escalation strategies one can use to diffuse any tough conversation: (1) Move to a private area. (2) Be empathetic and non-judgmental. (3) Keep your tone and body language neutral. (4) Provide choices. The Teach Better Academy course, Addressing Tough Topics in Schools, shares communication strategies for challenging topics in your school community. As an … Read More
LEAD with HOPE Series: H is for Habits
TL;DR: It is important to establish healthy habits and model them for our students. Be proactive: Focus on the things in your circle of control in an effort to be the best you can be. Begin with the end in mind: Set a mission, goals, and priorities. Put first things first & sharpen the saw: Manage your time. Practice good … Read More
Are you Using Unproductive Listening Patterns?
TL;DR: Unproductive listening patterns include syndicate, memoir eavesdropping, and solution listening. A syndicate occurs when a person attempts to listen and work on a task that is different in nature from the conversation that is taking place. Memoir eavesdropping involves paying attention with the purpose of finding similarities within your own life, so you can interrupt the person and share … Read More