Having The Hard Conversation

Keep the following in mind

We are leaders, not managers
Lead with compassion & authority
Timing is everything!

The three
behavior sets
of leaders

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Lead, Dont Manage

Productivity

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Lead, Dont Manage

What might
this look like
in a team?

Productivity

Lead, Dont Manage

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n

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What might
this look like
in a team?

Productivity

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Co

tio

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What might
this look like
in a team?

In

ce

Lead, Dont Manage

What might
this look like
in a team?

Co

tio

ira

pl

sp

ia
n

In

ce

Lead, Dont Manage

Productivity

What might
this look like
in a team?

Co

tio

ira

pl

sp

ia
n

In

ce

Lead, Dont Manage

Productivity

Where do you find

yourself most as a
leader of your PLC?
Benefits? Drawbacks?

Lead with Compassion & Authority

Know your members
Affirm their strengths
Challenge their assumptions
For example:
Do you agree that?

Compassion
Authority
Compassion & Authority

Timing Is Everything!
Speak when you are angry and you will make
the best speech you will ever regret.
-Ambrose Pierce

Never respond out of anger

BUT.
Dont let the moment escape
Seize the moment...just dont strangle it.

How NOT to have the conversation

In written form (email/post it/Schoology)
The indirect approach (the norm-killer)
Avoiding the issue

How to have the conversation

Keep it SHORT!
Do it SOON!
Make it a two-way conversation
Pick a strategic location
Focus on growth (not shame)
Follow-up: How can I help?
Be consistent with all members
Be HONEST!
Be the first to opt in to this conversation

Openers
-

Ive noticed that...

Can you tell me about?
How are things going?
Is everything ok? Ive noticed that
How do you feel about..?

Other ideas?

Scenarios--Time to Practice

Team members are reluctant or actively resistant

Attendance issues (scheduling a meeting during PLC time)
A member does not loop in facilitators about upcoming PLC meetings
Disengagement of a member(s): ex. checking email during a meeting
Department chair interferes with PLC-related business
The facilitators disagree on a topic/issue/process
Facilitators styles dont mesh
PLT time is being wasted
One member tends to take over the group

Use names...be PEOPLE.

What issues are you facing?

What issues are coming up in PLC?
How might your co-facilitator help?
How might Ted/Peyten help?
What is your action plan?

Wrapping up
Identify the issue
Pick the right time and place
Have a conversation with the person, not the
problem
Offer your help
Follow up

...additional thoughts...

Three types of issues

Norm issues
Facilitator issues
Philosophical issues

Deal with the problem the right way

Norm problem
Easiest to deal with
Describe the behavior
I noticed that / Im concerned that

Uncover the reason for the behavior

Why does it seem?

Offer solutions, not criticism

What can we do to...?

Deal with the problem the right way

Facilitator problem
Start with the Venn Diagram
What am I doing/not doing?
Where is my emphasis? Where should it be?

Seek help
Can you help me with a problem?

Explain your thinking to your PLC

It occurred to me that

Deal with the problem the right way

Philosophical problem
The hardest to deal with
Often involves a pre-existing condition
entrenched/passionate opinion
limiting belief

Uncover the opinion/belief

Challenge, dont refute
Give it time