Successful difficult conversations

Author: Sonia Gill

Around half of school leaders feel like their school is working hard but standing still. Half! So what’s going on?
Well-being. That word again. Everyone wants you to look after theirs. But who looks after yours? I know you try your best to support your team. But there’s one way I see that I think would benefit from a little tweak… Emails.
Take time to rest, recharge, and do something that brings you joy—you deserve it! Here are three ways to truly make the most of your break:
Why is talking about behaviour so hard? Behaviour conversations are tougher than performance ones. It’s easier to help someone improve their marking than to change their attitude​. If behaviour is the issue, here’s what can help
What’s the one difficult conversation people fear the most? The one no one wants to have? Telling someone they smell.
There are 5 common difficult conversations I see time and again in school. I asked 1,489 school leaders which of these difficult conversations they are having with their staff - only 3% had none of them.
Ok, that’s half way through the school year! It goes by fast doesn’t it? And soon you will be focused on next year. The chess board of who goes where will be out. You’ll try to please everyone and maybe you will, but if not that’s because it’s a tough task to do. So here’s a tool that can help you make those staffing moves for next year better.
In this new book, seven inspiring headteachers share how they transformed their schools - despite the odds. Their real-world insights offer practical, proven strategies that any school leader can learn from. And for today only (Monday 3rd March), you can get the Kindle edition for just 99p (RRP £16).

Being a school leader is truly work from the heart. You’re driven to create the best education for your children, but with ever-changing national and local challenges, it’s no easy task. Sometimes it feels like you’re running in circles, but there are guiding lights to show the way. Some leaders have managed to create exceptional […]

75% of school leaders don’t have at least 2 hours to think. You might be thinking, 2 hours! Where am I going to find two hours just for thinking?! That would be amazing (and a luxury). But as a leader, thinking is a critical part of our roles.