Leadership Connectors - Safety

Sometimes I lay awake at night thinking of my responsibility, as a leader, for the safety of over 1,300 students.  With serving 2 sites, it is impossible for me to be at each site everyday.  I am thankful for the close relationship and constant communication I have with my principals.  However, a "Columbine" situation could happen at any time, any where.

After reading chapter 3 in Leadership Connectors (Hensley, Burmeister), I spent a few hours thinking about how each staff member may feel and what can I do to ensure everyone feels safe.  I went through each of the suggestions from pages 68-69 and developed a system to try each of them this week.  I have so much to learn and each week I find more useful information from this book.

As a teacher, I worked to create a safe learning environment with consistent structure, routine, and expectations.  My challenge now as a leader is to create, not only a safe learning environment, but also a safe working environment for our staff.  It is important that I maintain a culture of caring, respect, trust, communication, safety, and support.  I am thankful to my mentors who model this for me daily and who check in with me often.

Our best opportunity to be creative and innovative thinkers  is when we feel relaxed and safe.  Our students deserve and environment that is calm and relaxed, that promotes creative thinking and problem solving, and where they know that we believe in their success.  As Doc often said, "a fair break for every kid!"

Leadership Connectors - Support

Doc Buchanan said in an interview in 1990 that, "Trust evolves when people know what is expected, receive support to do the expected, and then are given credit for having done so."  Doc has also said, "give teachers the best materials and then stand back and cheer them on."

In establishing Clovis Unified School District, Doctor Floyd B. Buchanan knew that support was an important factor in building exemplary schools.  Just as the authors of Leadership Connectors, Hensley and Burmeister, wrote "Effective leaders know that no matter where people work, they value support."

Support is a key component to establishing relationships of trust.  As a GIS serving two elementary schools, I am working to show each staff member, student, parent, and community member that I desire to serve and support them.  I don't want anyone to notice that I only at each site every other day.  My goal is to support the teachers and staff at both sites every day no matter where I am.  I try to spend the hours of 8:00am-3:00pm in the classrooms and out on campus.  Much of my work can be done after 3:00pm, but I can't support teachers when they are not there.  Each week I have a goal of every classroom, every week.  Some days I have 3-4 hours of discipline and therefore am unable to get to every classroom.  I gained valuable insight from the chapter on "Support" regarding being in classrooms more and seeing discipline decrease.  Administrators are able to put out fires as they are out and about on campus.  I can't wait to put this into action!

Leadership Connectors - Communication

Leadership Connectors, Communication

Doc Buchanan has said, “Say what you mean and mean what you say.”  Being a clear, effective communicator is important as a leader.  It is also important to follow through with what you say.  Some days I am not able to get done what I had hoped to accomplish.  The funny thing about kids is that you can’t predict when they are going to do or say something inappropriate.  Some days I spend three or four hours handling student discipline while other times, a week or two may pass without a single referral.  However, no matter what happens, if I say to a teacher or group of teachers that I will stop by their classroom or sit in with their PLC meeting, then I make sure I follow through.

In the book, “Leadership Connectors – Six Keys to Developing Relationships in Schools”, chapter one gives great suggestions and examples of notes an administrator can give to teachers, custodians, cafeteria workers, PTA members, and others involved in the school system.  What a great way to build relationships and support the vision of the school! 

I feel that in addition to the written, spoken, and body language elements of communication, listening is equally important (if not more important).  When dealing with an upset parent or frustrated teacher, sometimes just listening to them can help them to feel better and can also help the administrator keep a pulse on the community and culture of the school.  Being a good listener can be difficult.  I feel it is important to actively listen.  Let the individual know that you are hearing what they say by repeating key things back.

I absolutely love before and after school supervision!  This time allows me to talk with parents, teachers and students.  It has been a wonderful tool as a GIS at two completely different school sites, to learn names, establish relationships, and have positive interaction and productive conversations with others. 

I believe in the power of face to face communication!  I think email is a great, convenient tool, however, talking with someone face to face allows me to convey interest, sincerity, and to let others know I value them.  It also forces administrators to get out of their offices. J