As a leader, I will have non-negotiables. These are expectations I will have of myself and my staff. My staff will be made aware of my non-negotiables from day one so that they know what I value and what I expect of myself and others. I will clearly identify three different non-negotiables in this blog. These expectations that I will list have emerged due to different experiences I have witnessed that I wish someone had addressed campus-wide and for reasons, beyond my knowledge, were not addressed. Confidentiality, respect for EVERYONE and support staff in public and advise in private.
When I first started teaching, I had this naive belief that any information you disclose to administration would be kept confidential and be used only to support your professional needs. I quickly found out that was not the case and I experienced a paradigm shift. I perceived it to be very unprofessional and immature of them to disclose information that was shared with them in confidentiality after they, themselves, had solicited the information. What is the purpose of being in such a position of power if you can't even be trusted? As a leader, I will NEVER betray that trust. When you're in such a position of power, you honor it and lead through example. Treat others the way you'd like to be treated. Non-negotiable #1: Honor Confidentiality.
Throughout my career, I have witnessed some staff that only talk to each other on an as-needed basis. They will pass each other up in the hallways and not even make eye-contact. I have seen some staff who approach others, in good faith, to offer some advice and the other individual will just give them a glaring look and turn their back to them. I will NOT tolerate my staff treating each other in such a way. As teachers we expect our students to NOT treat each other like that, so why do some teachers think it's okay to treat each other in that manner? NO! I will have in-services if I have to, but MY staff will NOT walk through the hallways without at least acknowledging each other's presence through a warm smile. Non-negotiable #2: Respect for EVERYONE!
My last negotiable comes as result of having had witnessed, many years ago in my career, shouting matches, accompanied with pointing fingers at people's faces, between administration and staff. Those situations created a very uncomfortable environment for everyone in the room and no one wants to take sides, but at the same time everyone still has to maintain a healthy relationship with both parties. As a leader, I will only show support through encouraging words and by showcasing different highlights I see taking place in different classrooms, however, in private, that's where I will touch base with my staff on areas of improvement. I will not disrespect my staff by pointing fingers and embarrassing them in front of their colleagues. Areas of growth will only be addressed in confidentiality and its up to them if they want to disclose to others what they are working on improving, as a way of developing their leadership skills. I expect them to also do the same with each other. If they believe that they have some advice for a colleague and they feel comfortable enough approaching them and sharing that advice, I encourage them to do so as long as it is done in a private and respectful setting. If they prefer that I be present, that's fine too. I just don't want anyone to ever feel attacked, bullied, or humiliated.
My three non-negotiables that I will have in place as a leader have come about as a result of my career experiences. Different situations that I have witnessed have inspired me to decide that when I become a leader, this is what I will NEVER compromise. These non-negotiables are very close and dear to me and I will expect this type of behavior from myself, as well as from my staff.
When I first started teaching, I had this naive belief that any information you disclose to administration would be kept confidential and be used only to support your professional needs. I quickly found out that was not the case and I experienced a paradigm shift. I perceived it to be very unprofessional and immature of them to disclose information that was shared with them in confidentiality after they, themselves, had solicited the information. What is the purpose of being in such a position of power if you can't even be trusted? As a leader, I will NEVER betray that trust. When you're in such a position of power, you honor it and lead through example. Treat others the way you'd like to be treated. Non-negotiable #1: Honor Confidentiality.
Throughout my career, I have witnessed some staff that only talk to each other on an as-needed basis. They will pass each other up in the hallways and not even make eye-contact. I have seen some staff who approach others, in good faith, to offer some advice and the other individual will just give them a glaring look and turn their back to them. I will NOT tolerate my staff treating each other in such a way. As teachers we expect our students to NOT treat each other like that, so why do some teachers think it's okay to treat each other in that manner? NO! I will have in-services if I have to, but MY staff will NOT walk through the hallways without at least acknowledging each other's presence through a warm smile. Non-negotiable #2: Respect for EVERYONE!
My last negotiable comes as result of having had witnessed, many years ago in my career, shouting matches, accompanied with pointing fingers at people's faces, between administration and staff. Those situations created a very uncomfortable environment for everyone in the room and no one wants to take sides, but at the same time everyone still has to maintain a healthy relationship with both parties. As a leader, I will only show support through encouraging words and by showcasing different highlights I see taking place in different classrooms, however, in private, that's where I will touch base with my staff on areas of improvement. I will not disrespect my staff by pointing fingers and embarrassing them in front of their colleagues. Areas of growth will only be addressed in confidentiality and its up to them if they want to disclose to others what they are working on improving, as a way of developing their leadership skills. I expect them to also do the same with each other. If they believe that they have some advice for a colleague and they feel comfortable enough approaching them and sharing that advice, I encourage them to do so as long as it is done in a private and respectful setting. If they prefer that I be present, that's fine too. I just don't want anyone to ever feel attacked, bullied, or humiliated.
My three non-negotiables that I will have in place as a leader have come about as a result of my career experiences. Different situations that I have witnessed have inspired me to decide that when I become a leader, this is what I will NEVER compromise. These non-negotiables are very close and dear to me and I will expect this type of behavior from myself, as well as from my staff.