Below are descriptions of each session of the workshop.ġ) Introduction to Adaptive Leadership, where we will go over key definitions, distinguish between an adaptive challenge vs a technical challenge, and define the elements of an adaptive challenge, and present the basic framework for Stakeholder Analysis using values, loyalties, and losses framework. Try saying this: “This conversation is hard for me, but I think it’s important to address.See attachments for slides and materials used and mentioned during our Adaptive Leadership workshop series. Sometimes the best insights arise when we allow ourselves space within the conversation to reflect. Likewise, it’s fine for silence to occur. But it’s perfectly okay to acknowledge that the conversation is uncomfortable and even talk about why. By having a courageous conversation, you’re taking a situation head-on. What to do: We tend to avoid confrontation. Try saying this: “I care about you, and I need to know if you need help.” Scenario: You have to bring up an issue that’s really uncomfortable for you.Įxample: A student’s personal hygiene is causing a problem. Even if there isn’t and you take disciplinary action, that doesn’t preclude being kind or preserving dignity and respect. No, it’s not acceptable for a teacher to leave no sub plans, but there may be a good reason for it. What to do: Even if you are angry (and justifiably so), you can be compassionate. Try saying this: “I hear you saying…” (Active listening will keep you focused.) Scenario: Someone did something that really angered you.Įxample: A teacher fails to show up to work and didn’t put in for a substitute. When you’re physically, mentally, and emotionally present, you can really listen to what someone else is saying (not just the words, but the emotion and intent behind them). You can’t give the discussion your full attention if you have distractions. What to do: Treat each courageous conversation like the most important one you’ll ever have with that person. Scenario: You’re knee-deep in emails and evaluations when you’re interrupted with a crisis.Įxample: A student comes to your office and discloses mental health concerns. What to say: “Tell me what happened.” (Then listen without judgment!) Getting all the information and everyone’s perspective will help you understand the complexity of the situation. Don’t assume you know how someone else feels or their intentions. Just because it’s someone’s truth doesn’t mean it is the truth. What to do: All participants in the discussion need to check the validity of their own assumptions. I want to make sure I understand, so let’s plan on meeting later today to discuss it.” Scenario: You’ve received conflicting reports and need to figure out the truth.Įxample: A teacher reports that another staff member allowed students to cheat on the state test, but the test coordinator says there were no anomalies. Try saying this: “I wanted to give you a heads up that I heard what happened. Sometimes you have to deliver the bad news at the moment, but whenever possible, try to avoid an ambush and allow the person to process what happened before engaging them in conversation. Remember, the person may not know you’ve heard anything. What to do: A difficult conversation shouldn’t begin with a “gotcha” moment where you walk in the room to ask what happened. Scenario: You need to talk to someone about a behavior reported by a third party.Įxample: A parent calls to tell you that a teacher was crying in front of the kids. So, you know you’ve got to do it, but how do you make the most of those difficult situations? The following scenarios showcase the best ways to handle some courageous conversations. These difficult conversations require all parties to be honest and open. When’s the last time you had to confront a staff member concerning a dress code issue or call a parent to say you’re moving their child to a different classroom? School leaders engage in courageous conversations all the time-from conflict resolution to racial equity to performance appraisal.
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