Full Description
"A thoughtful map for authentically engaging in and learning from hard conversations. Abrams gently teaches us why having these conversations matter and how they can help us grow."
—Eleanor Drago-Severson, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership
Teachers College, Columbia University
"A wonderful combination of coaching, consulting, and crafting a way of teaching us all to speak honestly in our relationships."
—Ann Lieberman, Senior Scholar
Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
"Our teaching culture is adverse to conflict. Having tools like this will move education forward as a profession."
—Michael Grinder, National Director and Educational Consultant
NLP in Education
"This book has already changed my life. Just by reading it, my courage to have hard conversations has soared."
—Beth Madison, Principal
George Middle School, Portland, OR
Speak with clarity, confidence, and courage!
For many educators, confronting a colleague about a work-related issue can be a daunting matter. This insightful book helps educators speak with clarity and courage to directly address difficult situations within their schools.
Having Hard Conversations provides an interactive, personal approach to mastering the art of challenging conversations. The author's step-by-step strategy addresses a wide range of situations, including communication with supervisees, peers, and supervisors. Emphasizing that initiative and preparation are the keys to a successful conversation, this resource includes:
Thought-provoking questions and first-person accounts that help educators become more self-aware, effective communicators
Advice on overcoming personal hesitation about expressing concerns
Guidance on identifying goals for the conversation and choosing the best "what-where-and-when" for a productive discussion
Sample scripts and practical tools to help educators prepare for the conversation
By addressing important issues directly and professionally, educators can find self-empowerment and promote an open, healthy school environment.
Contents
Foreword by Arthur L. Costa
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
1. What Are Hard Conversations and Why Should We Have Them?
2. Why We Hesitate Having Hard Conversations
3. Questions to Ask Yourself Before Having the Hard Conversation
4. What's the Real Problem?: Finding the Professional Language to Name It
5. Making a Plan
6. Scripting Your Initial Comments
7. The Whats, Wheres, and Whens of Having the Hard Conversation
8. What Ifs? Other Types of Hard Conversations
9. Conclusion
Appendix A. Extended List of Professional Behaviors
Appendix B. School Savvy Etiquette
Appendix C. Sample Scripts for Hard Conversations
References
Index
