Practical Resources at a Glance
Relationships are messy, complex and need continued care. Here are some key resources that may be helpful as you navigate complexity in your role.
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The dynamics of mentoring relationships are complex. When there is a misalignment of expectations significant challenges can arise.
Engaging in collaborative goal setting conversations at the outset of any mentoring relationship helps to set the stage for success.
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Learning focused conversations represent authentic opportunities to foster reflection, learning and growth.
This glideshow is intended as a starting point for thinking as you engage in planning, reflecting and problem solving conversations with the educators you support.
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Scaling Questions as a Tool for Debriefing
Opportunities for individuals to reflect on practice and debrief with mentors can be powerful learning for both parties.
One approach to debriefing conversations is scaling questions adapted from the solution-focused conversation work of Nancy McConkey.
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Examining our core beliefs....is "being a resistor" a trait or a state? Do we want to simply minimize resistance or consider how we might harness the energy resistance creates?
This glideshow explores why we might offer resistance and practical ideas for moving forward.
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When someone says "this is the way" I always hope they will add "that works for me...in my context...in my school...with my students."
This glideshow explores how listening with uncertainty and being intellectually humble are powerful gifts we can give those we support (and learn from).
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Appreciative Inquiry for Reflection & Growth
At the core of Appreciative Inquiry is the belief that all participants come to mentoring relationships possessing many strengths and attributes.
By building on these assets, the answers to the issues and challenges they face can be collaboratively constructed.
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As mentioned, relationships are complex, messy and need continued care.
These "case stories" are intended as provocations for mentors to share practical ideas for supporting colleagues (and each other).
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This glideshow highlights practical ideas from coaches, consultants and coordinators to address common challenges they face.
These insights may be useful in any mentoring role as you seek to support your colleagues while continuing to foster your own learning and growth.
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These are also known by many other names including Critical, Crucial, Challenging, Difficult, Hard, Problem Resolving or Tough conversations.
This glideshow offers a tool to reflect upon our own approaches to conflict and a practical conversation map for engaging in what I term complex conversations.
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Educator learning and well-being is essential for student learning and well-being.
The vision for collaborative professionalism outlined in this glideshow coheres strongly with the power of mentoring to build connection, community and webs of shared learning within and across roles.
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What we can influence is our 50% of the equation.
This glideshow contains key ideas about how as mentors we can be mindful in our approach to the complex dynamics of human interaction that shape all of our relationships.