Successful difficult conversations

Tag: Culture By Design

As the school year comes to an end, it’s worth pausing for a moment. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been sharing one simple idea: Your environment is always saying something. So before the summer break, here's one simple reflection
“The environment of both my schools has changed beyond recognition.” That’s what one executive head told me after an environmental walk. Not after a big refurbishment. Not after spending a large sum. Just after looking at the school differently.
“I used to avoid the staffroom on purpose.” A head said this to me. She didn’t want to intrude. She wanted it to feel like their space. But one day, she really looked at it. Old sofa. Cluttered surfaces. A noticeboard layered with old messages. “Nothing awful,” she said. “But it didn’t reflect how highly I think of my staff.”