FEBRUARY 12, 2016
BY CMACMILLAN - PROVIDING INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP
I missed the past session because I was busy ” snowboarding ” with my MT Snow club (which to me it means sliding down a hill praying that I don’t fall ) . Nichole happened to miss it too . After hearing the positive responses from those attending we asked Todd if he’d come to MT and give us an overview of what he presented . Todd graciously met us after school and we had a great conversation about Instructional leadership , coaching and Dealing with Difficult people . Again Thank you Todd : )
The First thing he said was that we are not adequately prepared to have the tough conversations and most people are not comfortable having to do them . He mentioned that we should be formally trained to have professional conversations.
Being a new Principal I knew this would be an area to show growth and improve . I knew I’d have to make a transition from Teaching Colleague to School leader ; and how people will have different expectations of me . After the readings and Todd’s conversation with Nichole and I , I noted that one area that I needed to improve was being a filter to the staff. Every school will have the ” Negative Nancy/ Norm ” and these people will find others and unload their stresses and problems . I’ve tried to be a filter and “Protect ” others from being bombarded . It’s a great analogy but has a harsh connotation, But negativity is like a cancer and can spread quickly . However if treated properly its possible to remove it or slow it’s growth .
BY CMACMILLAN - PROVIDING INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP
I missed the past session because I was busy ” snowboarding ” with my MT Snow club (which to me it means sliding down a hill praying that I don’t fall ) . Nichole happened to miss it too . After hearing the positive responses from those attending we asked Todd if he’d come to MT and give us an overview of what he presented . Todd graciously met us after school and we had a great conversation about Instructional leadership , coaching and Dealing with Difficult people . Again Thank you Todd : )
The First thing he said was that we are not adequately prepared to have the tough conversations and most people are not comfortable having to do them . He mentioned that we should be formally trained to have professional conversations.
- Now , Ideas – Where do we go for this Training ?
Being a new Principal I knew this would be an area to show growth and improve . I knew I’d have to make a transition from Teaching Colleague to School leader ; and how people will have different expectations of me . After the readings and Todd’s conversation with Nichole and I , I noted that one area that I needed to improve was being a filter to the staff. Every school will have the ” Negative Nancy/ Norm ” and these people will find others and unload their stresses and problems . I’ve tried to be a filter and “Protect ” others from being bombarded . It’s a great analogy but has a harsh connotation, But negativity is like a cancer and can spread quickly . However if treated properly its possible to remove it or slow it’s growth .
- Footnote: Thanks Nichole for the Edits and Suggestions : )
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- Collin DillonHey Cam,
Nice post and good on you for bringing Todd in to bring you up to speed on his great presentation.
As a leader, you’re right, you have a great opportunity to transform the culture of your school so that negative environment is limited or non existent and that starts at the top. If you model a positive, approachable, welcoming environment it will become contagious and spread throughout the building.
Thanks for the post,
CD
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FEBRUARY 15, 2016 AT 6:10 PMREPLY - mrshawnallisonNice post Cam! The relational bank – a great way to view the building of and maintaing of relationships. As a leader, it’s crucial the work on adding positive “coinage” into that bank ASAP and as much as possible. Starting with all positive first interactions with staff and then continuing to foster/maintain these positive interactions later. As you spend more years in this position, I’m sure it will become much easier!
Here’s a question for ya, If the bank is broke then what?
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FEBRUARY 17, 2016 AT 9:57 PMREPLY- cmacmillanDon’t go broke attempting to fix a bank that won’t help itself. We should provide opportunities for growth and a re-build . But at certain point, you have other banks that need help.
- cmacmillanDon’t go broke attempting to fix a bank that won’t help itself. We should provide opportunities for growth and a re-build . But at certain point, you have other banks that need help.