During our first leadership meeting, I had to do a lot of reflecting as we talked about different issues that we have dealt with or are dealing with in our careers. Trust and respect comes up a lot when we talk about building culture in our schools - we are continuously building trust with students, parents and colleagues. How do we do build up trust and respect? I have found that it is by being honest, transparent and sticking to my word - whether it’s with a student, parent or colleague.
I find that trust and respect is the big relationship builder in junior high because it isn’t until the relationships are built that the students will more often come and talk through their issues rather than acting out. I think that this is the same with teachers as well. Once teachers feel that they can trust me, they will come to me with any issues that they have. This is also part of an open and honest door policy, which to me, means keeping teachers and parents updated with what is happening both in the school and in the district. This open and honest communication allows the teachers and parents to feel part of the culture of the school, as well as, know that their input is important. Based on my experience, when teachers have input they feel like they are building the culture not just being told what to do. As a result, I have seen issues - good or bad - filter from staff to the students and that is also where culture is being built in the school.
I feel when a school is transparent that it doesn’t allow for false claims or gossip because people know what is exactly happening all of the time. Transparency allows for straight talk to be more effective and respected, which allows leaders to be in a position to have a straight talk with another person - and it won’t be seen as coming out of left field. That’s my hope. When discussing with my colleagues about how straight talks can be awkward, we then thought about how we can bring the talk back to how we personally need to improve as teachers - then it may make the other person more at ease and more reflective about their own practice. I think straight talks also need to be about listening to the other person and having a relationship with that person so that there is some sort of level of trust and respect with what we both say.
To be successful in building trust, I have found that being patient and putting others needs ahead of my own works best – and it shows that I am there for them and want them to succeed! When teachers are succeeding in their classroom, it usually means fewer issues throughout the rest of the school. When teachers are succeeding and confident in themselves then they are more willing to be open to change, whether its technology, project-based learning or even peer observation.
I believe as leaders it is our job to serve and support our colleagues so that the students can learn in the best environment possible.
Lesley
I find that trust and respect is the big relationship builder in junior high because it isn’t until the relationships are built that the students will more often come and talk through their issues rather than acting out. I think that this is the same with teachers as well. Once teachers feel that they can trust me, they will come to me with any issues that they have. This is also part of an open and honest door policy, which to me, means keeping teachers and parents updated with what is happening both in the school and in the district. This open and honest communication allows the teachers and parents to feel part of the culture of the school, as well as, know that their input is important. Based on my experience, when teachers have input they feel like they are building the culture not just being told what to do. As a result, I have seen issues - good or bad - filter from staff to the students and that is also where culture is being built in the school.
I feel when a school is transparent that it doesn’t allow for false claims or gossip because people know what is exactly happening all of the time. Transparency allows for straight talk to be more effective and respected, which allows leaders to be in a position to have a straight talk with another person - and it won’t be seen as coming out of left field. That’s my hope. When discussing with my colleagues about how straight talks can be awkward, we then thought about how we can bring the talk back to how we personally need to improve as teachers - then it may make the other person more at ease and more reflective about their own practice. I think straight talks also need to be about listening to the other person and having a relationship with that person so that there is some sort of level of trust and respect with what we both say.
To be successful in building trust, I have found that being patient and putting others needs ahead of my own works best – and it shows that I am there for them and want them to succeed! When teachers are succeeding in their classroom, it usually means fewer issues throughout the rest of the school. When teachers are succeeding and confident in themselves then they are more willing to be open to change, whether its technology, project-based learning or even peer observation.
I believe as leaders it is our job to serve and support our colleagues so that the students can learn in the best environment possible.
Lesley