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
Empowering Staff in the Decision-Making Process
TL;DR: Empowering staff in the decision-making process means listening to your staff’s needs. Consider the potential barriers before making any big decisions. Be open with staff and solicit feedback to increase buy-in. Be sure to explain the “why” of your decision-making process. School administrators are continuously looking for new strategies to help their teachers and students in their schools achieve … Read More
Staff Meetings That Empower
TL;DR: There are numerous ways to conduct staff meetings that excite, engage, and empower your staff to learn and share their expertise to build capacity. Staff meetings should leave teachers feeling empowered. Highlight teachers during staff meetings and amplify their voices. Immerse teachers in an experience to model different ideas for them to try in their own classrooms. As a … Read More
A Culture of Collaboration
TL;DR: Create a culture of collaboration by celebrating the wins, checking in with your staff, and having teacher-run PD sessions. Using a communication tool like Voxer can provide opportunities to open up a dialogue between staff in different areas. Leading with empowerment involves being genuine, showing vulnerability, and a willingness to acknowledge imperfection. I recently met with Foreign Language teachers … Read More
