A School Leader’s Playbook by Connecting Through Conversation

Episode 6: Connecting Through Conflict Conflict can quickly shift a conversation from problem-solving to protecting positions. When that happens, it becomes easy to see the other person as the problem instead of staying focused on the issue you are trying to solve together. In this episode, we focus on practical strategies school leaders can use to stay connected during conflict, communicate with...

Episode 5: Keep Your Cool When the Heat Is On — De-escalation Moves in the Moment Conversations can escalate quickly. A concern becomes frustration. Frustration becomes conflict. And in those moments, what you do next can either calm the situation or make it worse. In this episode, we focus on practical strategies school leaders can use in the moment to de-escalate tension, stay grounded, and keep...

You’re in the conversation and it turns. Someone is frustrated. Maybe their voice gets louder. Maybe they shut down. Maybe they come at you. And in that moment, it is easy to react or defend. In this episode, we focus on what to do instead. Because when someone gets mad, there is usually something underneath it. And if you can listen for that, you can get to the real issue and move the conversatio...

You know those conversations where emotions start to rise and suddenly everything shifts? You feel it in your body. Your heart rate picks up, your shoulders tighten, and you can feel yourself getting pulled in. In this episode, we focus on what to do in that moment. Because even when you’ve planned well, tough conversations can escalate quickly. And when they do, how you show up matters. In this e...

You know the conversation you need to have. But how do you say it so it actually lands? In this episode, we share the concrete steps to plan a tough conversation so you can go in calm, clear, and ready to say what needs to be said. When someone catches you with “Do you have a minute?”, we show you how to buy yourself time and transition to a planned conversation instead. Then, we'll talk you t...

You know those tough conversations school leaders need to have and don’t want to? The ones you avoid, delay, or hope will resolve on their own? In this episode, we unpack what gets in the way, why waiting makes it worse, and why an imperfect conversation is better than none at all. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why leaders avoid tough conversations (even when they know they shouldn’t) Why bad new...