Administrator ' s Corner identify a solution faster than I could spell “ solution .” So often , my scepticism forced me to take the time I didn ’ t feel I had to approach my managerial tasks with stronger insight , clarity , and facts , and that wasn ’ t a bad thing .
Let ’ s be clear about this , shall we ? Good school or classroom “ managers ” ( aka … teachers , administrators , directors , and specialists , among others ) exercise caution , question the truth , reflect on current realities , and dig deeper to gather all the facts , figures , and familiar structures that empower them to reach solid conclusions and identify diverse solutions .
While the threat assessment concepts previously introduced serve to remind us to lead and manage with facts and figures , an once of scepticism thrown into the mix demands we toss out potential untruths ( aka … lies ) for the truth of what is known . This ultimately helps us avoid falsely identified risks or threats and properly identify real dangers . In other words , an ounce of scepticism forces the right questions to the surface .
Let ’ s apply this balanced approach to common school management tasks :
the “ mess ” around the urgent need that has landed at your feet .
Another way of framing this balanced managerial approach ; an approach that once again appears to pull from opposite ends of the spectrum , is to think in terms of balancing questions with quality research ; balancing doubt with data , and balancing criticism with competence to gather the facts and figures you need from all sides . When you take this balanced approach , you may spend a significant amount of time – more time than you ’ d like to
spend - and exert more energy than you feel , but in the end , you ’ ll arrive at a solid , grounded decision that solidifies your staff ’ s or team ’ s ability to trust that you are managing to everyone ’ s advantage !
So , don ’ t forget , … doubt and data can go hand in hand to improve daily managerial practices ! We just have to be open to allowing our structured , logical approaches to be tempered by caution and the passion of our purpose to identify truth and building trusting relationships with all stakeholders .
5 You must address the concerns of parents / guardians of a student ; parents who believe the classroom teacher is purposefully harassing their child .
5 A student who is found sick in the bathroom claims he / she has a strange virus , but there ’ s a smell of alcohol in the air
5 One of your bus drivers is involved in a wreck with students on board . The driver explains a car pulled in front of him suddenly , but you ’ ve been noticing the driver looking rather tired and sleepy of late .
In each of these circumstances , you are tasked with getting to the truth – getting to the core of each concern , and that takes both a facts-fuelled , data-driven approach in which you look at all inputs related to a situation , as well as an ounce of scepticism that says , “ Something about this story or complaint isn ’ t adding up .” You balance the practical with the implausible ( could that really have happened ?!?) to reach an informed decision that lets you begin to manage
Dr . Lori Brown is the Director of Learning Solutions for Strivven Media ’ s VirtualJobShadow . com and President of Dawn Star Consulting LLC . She is a former teacher , administrator , and grant writer who continues to support global professional development . She lives in her hometown of Asheville , North Carolina .
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