Be a human. You will need
to deliver bad news every now and then.
Do it with kindness, but do not sugarcoat. Tell people the truth.
Life happens. You
need to allow people to slip away when they need to, but know when it is time
to call them back. Recognize when the
restorative power of good work can heal them.
Laugh. Tell jokes
(but only if they’re funny). Bring
cookies and coffee to meetings.
Unless protecting confidentiality, leave your office door
open. When someone asks, “Do you have a
minute?” always have two.
Listen. Pay attention
not only to the words people say but also to the clarity of their eyes, the
condition of their cuticles.
Approach every conversation with good intentions. Navigate it gracefully if it turns bad.
Do not be afraid to say, “I do not know.” It is not a sign of weakness, unless you
choose not to find the answers.
And breathe. Do what
nourishes you so you can lead with a full spirit and a warm heart.
I so agree, Heather! I really appreciated the instructional coach at my building as she always left her door open, and if she was busy she'd always insist she wasn't. The best trait about her is that she would listen, free of judgement. She just knew that sometimes teachers need to vent- we don't always need advice or a "fix", we just need to be validated. This was a great reflection. Thanks for posting! -Erica
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