Blog 5
How do you communicate suggestions to your principal
without offending him or her? How many
of you feel comfortable talking to your principal about issues in your
school? I have a dual role in my school;
as a teacher and as a leadership team member (Special Ed Department Chair). I often want to go to my principal about
issues that I have as a teacher myself and issues brought to me as
a member of leadership. I really like my principal,
but there are things that he as a leader could improve upon as with all
leaders. I have an Assistant Principal I
can talk to, but I don’t feel as comfortable talking about certain things with
my Principal. I often go to him about
departmental issues with no problem and would like to share some culture issues
with him. I have shared reading material
from class as hints, but don’t think it is seen as hints. What should I do?
That's a tough one. I can completely relate! I think I may have unintentionally offended my boss a time or two. I get excited about new ideas, but I constantly have to give myself a reality check that the ideas in my head may not always translate to what's best at work. I try to be pretty honest with my principal but I do tend to sugar coat. I always phrase my questions with "would it be a possibility...?" or "what do you think about...?" That way I'm asking not telling and I get some feedback from him as to whether or not to pursue the issue or maybe come back to it at another time. That works for my personality and his, but may depend on the the people you work with.
ReplyDeleteI like Kim's suggestion of opening tag lines. Those work well oftentimes to break the ice. I think, though, it also depends on the issue. I tend to take the bull in china shop approach probably more often than I should, but I also know that any time I have come to any principal I've worked for with data that shows there's a problem with whatever topic I'm concerned out....they always listen. A good idea is to also come with a possible solution to the problem, too. I think just going to the principal with an issue isn't the right approach. But going a 3-pronged approach of problem, data, possible solution, will usually be received better.
ReplyDeleteOne tidbit that a leadership mentor shared with me recently was to use "what" and "how" questions to break down barriers, as opposed to "why" questions which can be perceived as threatening.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like leadership may have created a culture where input is not valued. I have one recommendation with this issue. I never minded people sharing problems or concerns with me IF they also bring solutions to me. That makes you a problem solver rather than someone just coming in the office to complain.
ReplyDelete