Listening
Listening for the Sounds of Spring
With this unusually severe winter in the Midwest, I’ve been very intent on listening for any subtle signs of the approaching spring. The other day I heard a gaggle of geese flying overhead and watched them descend on ice floes in the lake. Another day, I heard an unseen woodpecker tapping out the message that…
Read MoreFeedback That Works
This time of the year is heavy on feedback in our systems; summative evaluations, performance reviews, contract renewals; all bring levels of stress to the receiver as well as the giver. The vast majority of the feedback given is to people who are doing great work and good work – it’s so easy to say…
Read MoreWhat Makes Feedback So Hard?
We all know that feedback is the key to growth. It shouldn’t be so hard for us, after all humans are wired for learning. We are learning from the minute we are born and hopefully until we leave this earth. Aha…oh, yes, easy to learn but to learn about me? Now, you are getting personal!…
Read MoreListen – Just Listen
If you’ve been through one of our seminars, you’ll remember our focus on “being” a fully committed listener. Over and over again, testimonials come to us about the power of just listening. Here’s an example. A middle school principal in Texas made the decision to “just listen” when her college daughter recently returned from a…
Read MoreWays to Calm Down an Angry Person
When’s the last time you tried to get through to someone during a difficult situation? When’s the last time you tried to calm down someone who was acting hostile, angry and argumentative? If Mark Goulston, author of Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone can train police officers and U.S. Federal…
Read MoreWould You Just Listen?
When I ask you to listen to me and you start giving me advice, you have not done what I asked. When I ask you to listen to me and you begin to tell me why I shouldn’t feel that way, you are trampling on my feelings. When I ask you to listen to me…
Read MoreWhat is the Best Gift Leaders Can Give?
Listening is the most precious gift coach leaders can give to others. Key behaviors that support active listening are reflected in the following mnemonic. L—LEAN into the conversation; show that you care, that you are interested I—INVESTIGATE the purpose for the conversation. What does the person want as a result of this dialogue? What do…
Read MorePutting the Function Back into Dysfunctional Teams
Recently a superintendent friend was complaining about how one school board member harped endlessly about nickel and dime expenses, ignoring the legitimate needs of students and staff. It was driving her crazy! How could she get this school board refocused on what was truly important for education? She had been reading The Five Dysfunctions of…
Read MoreWitness the Struggle
Death and dying is not a comfortable topic for most. It is often full of sadness and loss. Its presence has been very real for me. During the last few days, I have been with my Dad who is in his final stages. At 99 he has lived a productive, joyful life and is very…
Read MoreListening: The Heart of Good Coaching
As our schools meet the ever increasing challenges of educating children there are many variables that have been researched over the years as ways to improve schools. The list includes, but is not limited to: developing trust in school relationships, developing a more collaborative culture, exhibiting effective communication skills, being open and honest, having a clear…
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