Managing Difficult Frustrating And Hostile Conversations

Be prepared to manage stressful situations before they happen with proven, constructive strategies! The second edition of this best-selling resource provides new and updated content influenced by the feedback of over 250 school administrators. Managing Difficult, Frustrating, and Hostile Conversations uncovers safe and effective strategies for dispelling common sensitive situations such as handling legitimate complaints, controlling those under the influence, combating charges of discrimination, serving as the mediator, and diffusing abrasive conversations. Each chapter highlights situations identified by school administrators as most stressful. Tips for managing these situations are followed by suggestions and questions for the reader that highlight how to: Understand the motives and actions behind hostile adults Become proactive rather than reactive Maintain control over volatile conversations Communicate effectively with all types of upset individuals Use this text to constructively address sensitive issues and prevent stressful circumstances from evolving into dangerous situations.

Teachers: Now you can identify and apply the proven strategies to deal successfully with hostile adults in schools. Skill in communicating is essential for teachers—and now the wisdom of your colleagues can help you to deal with one of your most difficult challenges: hostile adults. In this hard-hitting and supremely practical book, the authors draw from the actual experience of more than 250 practicing teachers to bring you the advice and insight you need. They begin with data from a two-year study that includes surveys and in-depth interviews with practicing teachers and certified school support professionals from urban, suburban, and rural schools at all socio-economic levels. The final product is a comprehensive and highly applicable resource filled with true-to-life vignettes and practical, real-world analysis, including: • Defusing the angry screamer • Serving as mediator • Handling parents with blinders • Curbing school gossip • Dealing with public humiliation • Neutralizing the influence of drugs or alcohol • Maintaining confidentiality This book is a valuable and insightful resource that can take you from reactive to proactive. A not-to-be-missed tool for savvy teachers at all levels.

Steer high-stakes conversations with staff and students toward win-win outcomes with this handy pocket guide to effective communication. Includes scripts, case studies, and checklists.

A comprehensive guide to building successful relationships with all school personnel! Ideal for practicing and aspiring principals, this in-depth resource presents policies, procedures, and techniques for managing faculty and support staff and creating effective work environments. The authors provide case studies, strategies, and reflective exercises in each chapter to help administrators evaluate their schools and practices. Based on ISLLC and ELCC standards for school leadership, this book covers: Shaping school culture to promote shared ownership of the school’s vision Recruiting, selecting, and retaining qualified personnel Effective communication and conflict resolution Handling challenging situations such as supervising marginal employees and addressing grievances

Establish cooperative relationships with all parents—even the most difficult ones—by using the author's proven communication strategies, supported by sample forms, letters, scenarios, and vignettes.

"This book reflects a true understanding of the different personalities administrators face and clearly outlines what each leader can do to establish a positive environment for their employees and students. This is one book no administrator should be without." —Patricia Bowman, Retired Principal, Los Angeles Unified School District Adjunct Professor, University of California, Los Angeles Proven solutions for toxic behaviors! Unconstructive staff behaviors can disrupt a thriving school environment. School leaders need positive, generative communication strategies that can defuse negativity and inspire teachers to change their behavior and become contributing members of the learning community. From Difficult Teachers...to Dynamic Teamwork examines the underlying basis of problematic behaviors and provides proactive, proven strategies for building teamwork and a positive school culture. Leaders will discover strategies for enhancing their interpersonal skills, determining if their own behavior is contributing to the problem, and encouraging behavior change in teachers and staff. Based on interviews with more than 50 experienced principals, this valuable resource connects content to practice via: Key tools, practical resources, organizational charts, and behavior assessment forms Sage advice and quotations from experienced educators Sample dialogues to help identify behavior challenges "Take Action" sections for specific implementation strategies Maximize the effectiveness of your staff by building a culture of shared leadership, collegiality, and teamwork!

Difficult conversations can be highly destructive both for the people involved and for the business as a whole. This book provides a radical new approach to reflecting on and carrying out difficult conversations. Exercises and examples are provided throughout.

Filled with best practice examples, resources, reflections, self-assessments, and implementation ideas, this guide shows school leaders how to improve their school management skills.