Successful difficult conversations

Author: Sonia Gill

Something I’ve noticed high performing teams in a range of contexts have are maxims. You will have come across maxims before even if they’ve not been explicitly called one. A maxim is: “a ground rule or subjective principle of action; in that sense, a maxim is a thought that can motivate individuals”. It is defined by the […]

Yay! It’s the New Year! Again. Because we just had one in September (aren’t we lucky to get it twice 😉 ). Does that mean new vision? Yes and No. Now is a great time to think about your vision, not because it’s the New Year, but because this time of year naturally lends itself […]

It’s because they are a mission without a vision. I wrote about how Christmas is a mission and new year’s resolutions usually are as well: lose weight, quit smoking, go to the gym twice a week, run a marathon, save more, learn more, drink less. These are all missions. As a coach I know defining […]

Unless you are one of those super organised people then Christmas can be a bit of mission. Term ends. Get last (or all) of the remaining presents. Move things around the house. Make sure you’ve got your online Christmas shop booked. We run into it and then can find it’s a bit of anti-climax. I […]

You might be familiar with the ‘I do, we do, you do’ strategy. I’ve heard class teachers use it and you might know it by a different name. If you don’t I think it’s a really neat way to support someone develop. It works like this: I do – I demonstrate doing whatever the person […]

You know those difficult conversations you struggle to have because the person has upset, annoyed or angered you so much? You find it hard to have the conversation you need to because your emotions are running high. There is a technique that can help you called reframing. It’s where you try to see the situation […]

Are you expecting inspectors? Then how about a handy crib sheet to help you from the moment you get the call?  This comes from Paul Murphy, Headteacher at Lancasterian Primary School, Haringey, London who had their inspection in May – thank you Paul 😊 If you’ve not got one already then please click here to automatically download […]

I had the pleasure of supporting a MAT develop their vision: ‘Life is a journey and nobody’s path is certain in this rapidly changing world. Together we are stronger…’ We will guide and inspire you along the way. When you let go of our hand, you and I will know that you will choose the […]

Sometimes a conversation is difficult because the other person doesn’t understand there is a problem – you might have told them several times but feel that they don’t appreciate how serious this is or that they don’t acknowledge that there is a problem. One of the school leadership team’s I support had exactly this issue; […]

I worked with the team at Capel Manor Primary school to help them create their vision and several years on it’s still one of my favourites: