Why Relationships Matter

One of the most important elements of being a school administrator or being a professional in a learning community are the relationships with those around you.  Consider the following...how often or to whom do you say "Hello" to in your school?  How many people greet you on a daily basis?  What do your conversations center around? What stories does your school tell? 

I am sure we can all think of a colleague who is somewhat recluse.  I don't have a problem with that.  Some folks prefer to work on their own and have limited interactions with others.  However, as a member of the school community, be aware of these people and make it a point to also seek them out and greet them.  You don't have to go over the top but when people feel welcome and appreciated it can do good things.  Today's SmartBrief on Leadership had an important message...respect matters. 

The blog (http://smartblogs.com/leadership/2011/03/15/respect/) points out seven ways managers can improve relations with their employees.  None of these tactics are new or revolutionary but are important to keep in mind.  Timely and effective feedback, collaboration, affirmation...all of these are necessary for improving working conditions with others.  One of the points that sticks out to me most, at least as an aspiring administrator, is the importance of empowerment. Marzano (2005) identifies this as Resources.  This includes providing the necessary time, resources, training, etc. to assist others in effectively carrying out their jobs. 

Professional development can improve relationships.  When your culture is one of high expectations and the principal consistently monitors and evaluates the life of the school, professional development can be a great tool for initiating and maintaining critical conversations between colleagues.  This isn't saying that we will all agree on everything, but through understanding where we are in agreement and where we are in disharmony, we can begin to work with each other to move toward our common goals. 

Sometimes it is the simple things: recognition for earning advanced degrees; recognizing birthdays; sharing with others when a colleague has attended a conference or presentation that may improve instructional practices; the birth of a child; sending flowers to a staff member when they have experienced the death of a loved one.  The list could go on.  I am sure you do many of these things already. 

Marzano (2005) recommends "being informed about significant personal issues within the lives of staff members; being aware of the personal needs of teachers; acknowledging significant events in the lives of staff members; maintaining personal relationships with teachers" (59). 

So here is my goal: say hello to every staff member in the building at least once a day and when asking "How are you doing" make sure that they know you truly care about how they are. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Resources
Marciano, Paul. (2011) Engaging employees with respect. (http://smartblogs.com/leadership/2011/03/15/respect/) March 15, 2011.

Marzano, R., Waters, T., & McNulty, B. (2005). School leadership that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.