How to empower team work at school

On a bright morning, I cycle through a tree-lined street to a primary school in an affluent part of the city. After years of working in vulnerable neighborhoods, it feels almost unreal with so much space, greenery, and opportunities. Of course, I know that each family has its own challenges, yet the contrast is stark.

Driving home after the meeting, I notice that the same themes recur everywhere:

1. A team with older and younger teachers who don't quite understand each other
2. Parents who are enthusiastic about the school upon enrollment, but find following rules complicated in practice
3. The teacher who doesn't say it out loud, but is on the verge of calling in sick

We are living in confusing times

This makes my heart beat faster: supporting professionals to find and transform the source of unrest at school. If you don't address the unrest, you will get moments like this

* How is it possible that your paperwork isn't finished, yet there is time for a glass of wine on Friday afternoon

* What makes you value respect, yet still gossip about a colleague

Clarity and predictability are basic needs at school. For the school leader, the teachers, the children, and for parents. We are so afraid of being too strict that we let our boundaries be crossed just to be liked.

What I see is that you gain a lot by first looking inward

1. What do you feel when parents question the school rules?
2. What do you do with that feeling?
3. What action follows your feeling?

Adhering to agreements really starts within yourself

It is easy to look at what someone else is doing 'right' or not: parents, children, or society. But leadership begins with leading by example. And leading by example starts with small things: being on time and prepared yourself, asking how the other person is doing before discussing work together, or simply saying sorry if you can't make an appointment.

If you, as a school leader, do not have the conversation with your team about exemplary behavior, agreements, and professional boundaries, then no one else will. And if you don't bring it up for discussion, everyone will just be left floundering. And that will cause you and the children a lot of trouble.

Do you want to build a team that collaborates clearly, reliably, and professionally?
Schedule your call with Hélène van Oudheusden

Do you want to receive the new blog every Friday at 11 am?
Sign up here

Picture: Pixabay