Hard Conversations Unpacked

Learn to speak up for what really matters In Having Hard Conversations, Jennifer Abrams showed educators how to confront colleagues about work-related issues through a planned, interactive, and personal approach. In this sequel, readers move deeper into preparing for those conversations while building expectations for meaningful outcomes. Emphasizing what needs to happen before, during, and after hard conversations, this resource explores What humane, growth-producing, and “other-centered” conversations sound like How to recognize and account for culture, gender, and generational filters How to spot and work with organizational dynamics that could influence discussions How to conduct hard conversations with supervisors

Learn to speak up for what really matters In Having Hard Conversations, Jennifer Abrams showed educators how to confront colleagues about work-related issues through a planned, interactive, and personal approach. In this sequel, readers move deeper into preparing for those conversations while building expectations for meaningful outcomes. Emphasizing what needs to happen before, during, and after hard conversations, this resource explores What humane, growth-producing, and “other-centered” conversations sound like How to recognize and account for culture, gender, and generational filters How to spot and work with organizational dynamics that could influence discussions How to conduct hard conversations with supervisors

Collaboration between professionals of all generations is an essential factor in school success. What do Boomers need from younger generations? What do GenXers and Millennials have to offer Boomers? Each generation wants to contribute and to feel empowered. The youngest generation wants an equal voice; Boomers want to leave a legacy; GenXers want to make a difference. This book, based on a very popular workshop that Abrams has presented across the U.S. and Canada, will address how all educators can look through a generational filter to be more effective communicators, teachers and administrators; to help retain those who may be more easily frustrated at their lack of immediate success; and to plan for succession by future generations of leaders. Concrete tools are key elements of the book, helping readers to define the generations and their needs, to identify themselves on the continuum, and to plan ways to bridge generational differences.

Practical strategies for building coach-leader relationships Leadership is complex work. High quality leadership coaching is one of the most effective methods of professional development for leaders. Coach It Further uses a narrative format to illustrate the important aspects of leadership that leaders and coaches can work on together to achieve their shared goals. It includes: Authentic stories from leaders and students The Collaborative Leadership Growth Cycle, which provides leaders with a starting point and specific steps to take to reach their goals Strategies for the four priorities research shows school leaders are most concerned about: collective efficacy, communication, student and family engagement, and political climate Reflection questions for leadership coaches to use with their leader-coaches Whether you are a seasoned coach, a leader looking to be coached, or a leader looking for guidance on how to coach burgeoning leaders among your staff, this book will build your confidence and provide you with valuable insights and strategies. Watch Peter′s interview with WNYT-NBC as he discusses Coach It Further. Offers a model of how educators can engage in the art of leadership coaching. School administrators will connect to the realistic, varied, and detailed examples illustrating the complexities of leadership. Here you will find thoughtful insights and practical suggestions for improving the quality of leadership coaching in your practice. –Jenni Donohoo, Best-selling author and Professional Learning Facilitator A must-read for school leaders and leadership coaches. You will connect to the real struggles of a principal learning to be coached. This book is chock-full of research, tips, and examples to help you improve your self-efficacy as a leader. –Jessica Johnson, School Leader Co-Author of The Coach Approach to School Leadership and Breaking Out of Isolation

Your next conversation could impact someone's life forever Hard conversations challenge everyone. Some people make every effort to avoid them altogether; others dive in enthusiastically, damaging relationships in the process. A solid middle ground is difficult to find--especially for those who want to make sure they're following a biblical model for these tough encounters. Lori Roeleveld firmly believes that the dialogues everyday Christians delay are often the very channels God wants to use to deepen relationships and transform lives. And she is eager to address the challenges they pose and to guide readers to meaningful conversations that rely on the wisdom of the Bible rather than the world. In The Art of Hard Conversations, Roeleveld provides motivation, inspiration, and practical, readily applied skills to make those tricky talks more effective. Through funny, vulnerable personal stories, sound biblical teaching, and sections of tips and assignments to practice, the principles here are guaranteed to increase the confidence and competence of Christians in discussing sensitive topics of every kind.

"Acquire the knowledge and resources necessary to achieve true success as a leader and enact strategic change and school improvement. In Swimming in the Deep End, author Jennifer Abrams dives deep into the four foundational skills required of effective leadership and change management: (1) thinking before speaking, (2) preempting resistance, (3) responding to resistance, and (4) managing oneself through change and resistance. Throughout the book readers receive ample guidance for building these vital skills and leading school initiatives and implementation plans that face 21st century challenges head-on." --

`This is a well written and thoroughly researched book on an issue of vital importance. It places the experiences of individual teachers under pressure into the larger UK and worldwide context. Policy makers need to wake up to its messages′ - Sara Bubb, Institute of Education, University of London What is it really like to be a teacher in today′s demanding classrooms? Maurice Galton and John MacBeath spoke to teachers, parents and students in England, and compared their responses to similar inquiries in Asia, America, Australia and New Zealand. Their findings were disturbing. Teacher stress and workload were persistent themes in the four studies, with teachers frequently stretched to breaking point as they endeavour to ′make a difference′ to their pupils′ learning and welfare. Issues examined in the book include: - frustrations facing those trying to make inclusive education work in practice - effects of constantly changing policies on the staff required to implement them - loss of status within the teaching profession - reasons for teachers choosing to leave the profession - the consequences of staying on and fighting for what one believes in This fascinating read will be of interest to anyone involved in teaching, school leadership and educational policy.

This is the book for anyone who embraces growth and learning as an individual and as a workplace colleague. You'll find an introspective view of personal development and an insightful foray into the potential for influencing groups. This book offers research-based tools and templates to guide the journey towards becoming one's best self