Author,
speaker, and consultant, Lisa Westman, joins me on this episode to discuss effective
communication for instructional coaches. She shares ideas and strategies to
help build bridges when communicating with teachers.
She and I talk
about empathy and why it’s a crucial component of communication for
instructional coaches. We talk about clarity and how to be compassionate but
still set boundaries.
Empathy & Instruction
On this
episode of The Coaching Podcast, Lisa and I talk about why coaches need to have empathy
for their teachers. She also talks about why assuming positive intent and
asking questions to clarify are so important when building relationships.
Coaches need
to recognize that teachers have different points of view and experiences. When
we are empathetic and understand their perspective, they are more likely to
hear what we say to them.
Growing Effective Communication
During the
episode, Lisa shares tips for effective communication with teachers and
administrators. The first thing she suggests is always being genuine. Listen to
what other people are saying and try to get to know them as a person. It’s not
about getting your point across but rather genuinely wanting to learn about those
you coach.
Even though
things can feel personal at times, it usually isn’t. Teachers are human and
sometimes get frustrated. If the coach can see that the teacher needs someone
to listen and not judge them, we form true relationships. Instructional coaches
need to talk about tough stuff but not when a teacher is in distress.
To
communicate effectively, Lisa suggests resisting the temptation to make
statements and instead suggests asking more questions. If we can understand
what teachers need and why they need it, we will be better able to reach our
goals.
Asking for
help can be difficult for some teachers and administrators. Lisa discusses how
we inadvertently perpetuate shame and magnify deficiencies in education. She
explains that we get fixated on deficits in education instead of a focus on teachers’
strengths. Instructional coaches can help by supporting teachers and respecting
their experience.
Being
vulnerable is uncomfortable for a lot of teachers. As a coach, one thing you
can do is let your guard down. When you let your guard down, other people let
their guard down too. To create relationships that are sustaining, purposeful, and
real you must put yourself out there first.
Lisa shares
that being vulnerable is about letting people know your greatest insecurities. Coaches
are considered the experts. We feel like we need to have the answers but inevitably
teachers will ask you something you don’t know. It’s OK not to know something
because we’re always growing and learning.
Constructive Feedback for Teachers
Not everyone
loves getting feedback. For some people, it’s downright scary!
Lisa
explains that feedback is only useful when it’s related to a goal. If you’re
giving somebody feedback on something else, it’s unsolicited advice and that
will be hard to take in.
No one likes
being told what to do, especially if they didn't ask. It doesn't feel good, and
we risk alienating those people or making them feel smothered. It’s better to
give small bits over time.
Language and Clarity When Coaching
During the
episode, Lisa reminds us that we don’t always have to use big terms or academic
language with teachers. It can be confusing because we don’t always have a
common meaning, or the person has a misconception about the term. It’s crucial
to be very clear in what you're saying and clarity often comes from simplicity.
Another
thing that can get in the way of clearly communicating is that teachers may be
uncomfortable with your visits. It may put them on the defensive. Try your best
to make teachers feel comfortable so they can be open and listen. Be aware of
your non-verbal cues like how you’re sitting and eye contact.
How to Talk to a Resistant Teachers
Teaching
isn’t all rainbows and sunshine. There are hard days or a string of bad days.
Recognizing
and meeting people where they are at is more important than trying to change someone.
Often, they aren’t ready to hear what you say and forced change doesn’t stick.
Coaches
should listen to how teachers are talking about the situation and try to find
where the resistance is for them. Lisa says that most people resist because
they are either scared they can’t do something or they’ve been trying for years
and their voice has not been heard.
She explains
that if a teacher comes to a coach upset, the most effective thing to do is validate
their feelings without probing any further. Have genuine conversations and
build real relationships with those you coach. Let’s also celebrate teachers’ accomplishments
more than we focus on their deficits
As coaches, we
are not trying to change people. We are trying to ensure that they feel
supported and safe. It’s important that we don’t hold things against them or
push our agendas when they are vulnerable. We are there to support the team
with the goal of growing our students.
The real
magic happens in education when we build relationships and make an effort to
communicate effectively. If you want to hear all Lisa’s tips, be sure to listen
to the entire episode.
Ready to
listen? You can listen below with the media player, or search for Buzzing with
MS. B: The Coaching Podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts!
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Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros of Crowd & Town Creative
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