We discuss common types of “difficult conversation”, some general principles for how to handle these discussions, and how we can best prepare ourselves and others for these conversations.
We discuss the crucial role that school and leadership culture plays in creating the right conditions and thus taking the sting out of these conversations.
We look specifically at handling difficult conversations with parents, including how school leaders can display empathy and build trusting relationships that pre-empt potential complaints and what we can do should relationships break down or become toxic.
We also look at conducting difficult conversations with staff, again offering general tips for handling these professionally and sensitively, especially for things like performance and capability.
Ultimately, we ask how school leaders can deliver a message that is clear and results in a positive outcome, no matter who the difficult conversation is with.
This episode is hosted by Helen Frostick is a National Leader of Education and semi-retired primary school headteacher. She is also a long-standing member of the Headteacher Update editorial board.
Our experts this time around are:
- Sophie Powell has worked in education for more than 20 years, mainly in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. She first became a Headteacher in 2010 and then took on an Executive Headteacher role in 2014. She has worked for The Compass Partnership of Schools for almost 10 years as an Executive Headteacher and is the Trust Lead for School Improvement, CPL, Leadership Development, and Induction.
- Sabah Malik has worked in senior leadership over the last 10 years across west London. She is currently deputy headteacher of a large Infant school in Hillingdon. Sabah has a Master’s degree in leadership and management and focused in particular on the important role parents play as early educators, supporting accelerated learning and progress.
- Paula Warding is an executive headteacher at the Warrington Primary Academy Trust where she leads schools in challenging circumstances, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
You can listen to this episode of the Headteacher Update Podcast below. To hear other Headteacher Update podcasts, or to subscribe for free to new editions, search for 'The Headteacher Update Podcast' in your podcast streaming application of choice. Or visit www.headteacher-update.com/podcasts/
For details about The Headteacher Update Podcast, or to suggest future topics, email editor Pete Henshaw at pete.henshaw@markallengroup.com