LEADERSHIP SKILLSA 75 MINUTE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING CONVERSATION FOR
KDSL ASPIRING AND CURRENT SCHOOL LEADERS
3 minutes
2MASTERING THE ART OF “UNCOMFORTABLE”
CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONSPRESENTED BY: JOHN AND TISHA NGUYEN
JTN EDUCATION CONSULTANTS
3 PURPOSE
Working together as a team is critical to drive and deliver ambitious student achievements results. Teamwork can be complex, and require the art and skill of mastering key communication practices. Planning, implementation and execution of crucial or difficult conversations is a necessary skill for leaders to be effective and productive. It is a pillar, that when leveraged appropriately can change the paradigm of the
organization, as well as the trajectory of employees.
• Created by two educators who started teaching middle school science 2 doors down from each other in 2000.• These founders went on to hold the following roles in various school districts and non-profits throughout the
Houston, Texas; Rio Grande Valley, Texas – Texas Mexican Border; Birmingham, Alabama; and Boston, Massachusetts areas: Classroom Teacher, Instructional Specialist, Alternative Certification Officer, Principal, Secondary Science Manager, Director, Chief Academic Officer, and Vice President.
• Thus far, JTN has provided consulting services to the following companies and countries: Microsoft, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Shlitterhahn Water Parks, Boston Public Schools, Social Good Inc., Liberia, Africa, United Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Thompson Island- Boston Harbor Islands, Columbia, Chile, Spain, Denver, Colorado.
5 SESSION GOALS AND AGENDA:
• By the end of this session, participants will have:• Explored the uses of Uncomfortable Conversations (5 minutes)• Taken a deep dive into an Uncomfortable Conversation framework (25
minutes)• Practiced an Uncomfortable Conversation • Received feedback on their Uncomfortable Conversation (40 minutes)
6 MASTERING CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONSNORMS• Confidentiality is key• Reserve the right to change your mind• Commit to replicating practice• Stay engaged• Be open minded and consider the perspectives of others
7 MASTERING CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONSUSES OF UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS1. Name some benefits of having an “Uncomfortable Conversation”
2. Name some pitfalls related to having an “Uncomfortable Conversation”
3. When is the best time to have an “Uncomfortable Conversation?”
4. Who should you have an “Uncomfortable Conversations” with?
5. What factors determine if an “Uncomfortable Conversation” is needed?
6. How do you know if an “Uncomfortable Conversation” was successful?
5 minutes
8 MASTERING CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONSADAPTED CONVERSATION FRAMEWORK
• Sounding Board Mechanism (within 24-48 hours)
• Double check alignment to desired outcome ( 1 or 2 days after)
• Facts versus Fiction Test ( 24 hours after)
• Preparation (1 to 2 days after)
• Meeting ( 2-3 days after)• Evidence • Wonderings, Feelings, and Impressions• Question• Listen (Restate/Paraphrase if needed)• Solutions, Agreements and Next Steps
• Follow-up (2-5 days after)
9 MASTERING CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONSADAPTED CONVERSATION FRAMEWORK MODEL
• Read Model Scenario• Listen Attentively for adherence to the Framework • Take 1-3 minutes to record feedback• Whole group debrief
• What worked well?• What would you have done differently?• What resonated most with you and why?
10MASTERING CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONSADAPTED CONVERSATION FRAMEWORK PRACTICE• Reflect on a situation whereby you need to have an “uncomfortable
conversation.”• Decide who will be:
• sharing first, second, and third• giving feedback first, second, and third• Observing first, second, third
• Observer access the Observation checklist• Follow the Role Play Directions
11 MASTERING CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONSWHOLE GROUP DEBRIEF• What worked well?• What would you do differently?• What resonated with you most?
12 MASTERING CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONSACTION PLANNING• Complete Action Planning template• Make a critical friend to hold you accountable • Exchange contact information• Remember to follow-up
13 SESSION GOALS REVISITED:
• By the end of this session, participants will have:• Explored the uses of Uncomfortable Conversations (5 minutes)• Taken a deep dive into an Uncomfortable Conversation framework (25
minutes)• Practiced an Uncomfortable Conversation • Received feedback on their Uncomfortable Conversation (40 minutes)
14 MASTERING CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONSEVALUATION SHEET• Please complete the Evaluation Sheet, and give it to one of the
presenters on your way out.
15 PRESENTERS: JOHN AND TISHA [email protected]• Before starting our Education Consulting Firm, I was Vice President of Expanded Learning for Thompson Island
Outward Bound Education Center. Prior to that, I was Chief Academic Officer for the Birmingham City Schools where I had primary authority and accountability for the academic performance of all schools.
• Earlier in my career I held roles such as Manager of Secondary Science Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for the Houston Independent School District, and Director of Professional Development for IDEA Public Schools.
• I have also been a science teacher at both the university and middle school level and has also served as a school leader and administrator. I am a graduate of Texas Southern University with a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Educational Administration.
• As a lifelong learner, I have also taken additional course work over the years in microbiology and space science and has completed Ph.D. coursework in Public Policy and Administration with a concentration in non-governmental organizations.
• I am very passionate about STEM education and as a result, extremely proud to also be a Microsoft in Education Ambassador for the Boston and New England area. I also currently serve on the Board for Rebuild Africa Inc.
16 PRESENTERS: JOHN AND TISHA [email protected]• John currently serves as Co-Founder of JTN Education Consultants and also Director of
Program Operations for the state of Massachusetts for BELL (Building Educators for Life.)• Before being promoted to this position, John was principal of IDEA Weslaco College
Preparatory school in Weslaco, TX. Prior to that he was a Chemistry and Physics Alternative Certification Officer for the Houston Independent School District in Houston, TX. Throughout his 15-year career in the Houston Independent School District, he also served as a Secondary Science Instructional Coordinator, Instructional Coach, and Science Teacher.
• Prior to joining the world of Education, John owned and operated his own Medical Clinic in Houston, TX. John’s Master’s degree is in Chinese and Oriental Medicine. Upon graduation from the American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Houston, TX, John open his own clinic and practiced for a couple years.
Recommended
