72. Difficult Conversations: Blame

<span style="font-weight: 400;">This is a re-air of one of our most downloaded episodes in the Schools of Excellence Podcast. As one of the first episodes I ever released, I wanted to bring this back for those who are newer listeners. I hope you enjoy and get value out of this episode.</span> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Like it or not, schools are home to a number of difficult conversations. Discussing topics such as...</span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Pay and benefits</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Inappropriate behavior</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Underperformance</span></li> </ol> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These can be uncomfortable. But having successful one-on-one conversations is what separates great school leaders from ineffective ones. Difficult conversations may not be fun, but school leaders who navigate them successfully can build stronger relationships with their staff and provide needed guidance and correction on workplace performance or behavior - which fosters staff engagement.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today’s episode is on one of the four shields of difficult conversations: Blame. As a leader, it is your responsibility to take note of when your team is using these shields and take the necessary steps towards having those difficult conversations. It is only by doing this that your team will feel heard, supported, and held accountable. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <p><strong>In this episode, I talk about...</strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">The concept of self-protection and how it shows up in our day-to-day life.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">The 3 strategies for removing blame from your school’s culture.</span></li> <li sty