Six Steps to Limit Negativity

Negative emotions can quickly spread across your team, dampening or even destroying morale. Therefore, it’s vital that principals remain alert for signs of anger, frustration, or similar negative moods among their staff.

Liann Davey is internationally known as the “team doctor” for her successful work with Fortune 500 companies. In this article, she shares six steps to counteract negative emotions. Learning how to interrupt the flow of emotions by introducing more constructive narratives that support action (rather than perpetuating anxiety) is a critical skill for today’s leaders, and these tips can help you create a more positive and more effective team.

Less is More

When words matter, use as few as possible and choose them wisely.

Clear concise communication should always be your goal. As this article by award-winning author, Larry Robinson, explains this approach can help your team (and your stakeholders) focus on what matters most … providing easily-understood touchstones for promoting progress and achievement.

PD Angst!

Professional Development (PD) must be an ongoing process, even for those teachers who would like to decline PD opportunities because they’re content with their roles. This article from the business world offers an interesting “IF (the reason is this) / THEN (consider this action)” chart that can help you strategize better ways to encourage your faculty to be actively involved in their own growth.

In the words of the author, “In today’s environment, it’s no longer enough to develop the high performers and the eager climbers. Leaders must also engage those who are quietly content, the cautiously hesitant, and even the seemingly unmotivated.

Are You Accountable?

True leaders recognize that accountability is a choice. Leaders can inspire ownership and commitment … or conversely, they can create a culture of fear that stifles growth.

This article from SmartBrief takes a closer look at three core components of effective accountability. While it’s written for businesses, the key principles outlined here clearly apply to schools, too.