Welcome to the first of a new weekly approach I’m taking to provide you with some thought, some provocation and some support when it comes to leading School Culture. I have to admit, when “Home Truths” was suggested to me as a title for these messages, a grin crept across my face. I think I’ve come to enjoy sidestepping the usual edu-speak for a conversation more direct and to-the-point. My contract with you, as somebody who so generously permitted me to pop your email address on my newsletter list, works two ways. Every week I do by best to send something succinct, relevant and directly of service to you right now. Mostly I’ll send a home truth. And perhaps once or twice a year I’ll send an invitation to something I think is useful for you – an upcoming workshop or our amazing Teacher Wellbeing App (stay tuned, that’s coming very soon). In return, I hope you’ll just give these weekly messages just a few minutes thought. After all, provoking thought what a Home Truth should do. |
My first message is a reflection I had just this week on a belief about feedback. I resolved many years ago never to give negative feedback to a colleague publicly. Never. I made a couple of costly mistakes with publicly ticking people off that led me to a belief that I’m never going to elicit a positive response from people when I throw public humiliation into the mix. Sounds reasonable … yeah? Well, this week I was asked how it then could be ok for kids to endure public admonishment in playgrounds and classrooms. Ouch. I know I’ve done it myself. And I didn’t really have an answer. Because really, that’s not OK either. That’s a home truth that hit hard for me. It’s a reminder that I’m unfinished as a Teacher, as a School Leader and as a person. And that’s actually ok. I’ve already forgiven myself for that error and I’m forming a new belief about how I should provide behavioural feedback in the learning environment. I’ll get there. Hoping that home truth sits with you for a bit. I’ve got plenty more to come! Keep fighting that good fight, |
PS. We launched the new-look Real Schools website this week and I reckon it looks pretty spiffy. Check it out and tell us what you think. |