Relationships are messy, complex and need continued care. Below you'll see ideas from mentors to address common challenges as they seek to support their colleagues while continuing to foster their own learning and growth.
Mitigating the Challenge of Time
- Creating and using an online space to connect and collaborate
- Using common blocks of time - based on individual preferences
- Engaging in a "minds on" conversation or email prior to meeting so time is focused
- Modelling self-acceptance - i.e. can't do everything
- Utilizing quick "on the fly" connections
- Using a template (online or old school on paper) where both parties can access asynchronously as a way of connecting in between or in advance of scheduled meeting
- Planning regular meetings - coordinating your calendars and using existing structures (e.g., lunch after an area principals meeting)
- Continuing to build and deepen relational trust… results in more meaningful sharing and time together being well used
Extending Thinking with Mediational Questions
- Paraphrasing to clarify understanding of both yourself and the speaker
- Using a tone of wonder in the questions you are asking
- Employing the coaching stance to elicit thinking
- Remembering the importance of authentic listening
Going Deeper with Meaningful Feedback
- Considering if the person you're speaking with has the tools to receive feedback.... readiness? How will the feedback be used - is it productive?
- Asking scaling questions as a tool
- Being open ourselves to ongoing feedback and learning
Facilitating Learning in Groups
- Putting students as the centre via the third point… supporting the well-being and learning of students are why we're all here
- Creating ways to build relationships with and within the group
- Building personal connections to learning topics
Working with Reluctant Colleagues
- Revisiting how might trust be built (or rebuilt)?
- Reflecting on what does no mean?....could mean I don't know how...I'm not ready....I don't feel involved.....surfacing what's behind the "no"
- Slowing down the pace of learning
Resources