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take on this work? Two reasons. First,   tions, as showing me how. According   Perhaps I contributed to the problem
        “Leaders are as human as those they   to Scott, “Fierce conversations are   by not speaking to you about this
        lead” (Abrams, 2009). They have the    about moral courage, clear requests,   sooner.
        same needs for approval and affiliation  and taking action.” An example of a   This is what I want to resolve.
        as their staff. So for the sake of keeping   fierce conversation sounds like this:  How are we going to ensure that
        the peace and preserving their relation-   Mr. ____, last week I talked with   all of your verbal interactions with
        ships, they shy away from requiring    you about the importance of using    students are appropriate and
        common assessments because the         good judgement when addressing       professional?
        teachers don’t want them, or confront-  students during your lessons. I
        ing the faculty member who refuses     specifically asked you to refrain from   I want to understand what is
        to participate during PLCs. They       using sarcasm in class because it is    happening from your perspective.
        avoid doing anything that may result   hurtful and compromises your relation-   Please talk to me about what is
        in isolation, conflict or criticism, so   ship with students. I also reminded   going on and how we may resolve
        they never have to go to a retirement   you that this form of discourse goes   this issue.
        dinner or holiday party knowing they   against the District’s standards for   In just sixty seconds, the issue is clari-
        are not welcome. They pick morale      professional conduct.              fied and communicated, which allows
        over the moral obligation to act. And                                     the rest of the conversation to focus on
        students pay the price.                This morning, a student reported   resolution. This frees the leader up to
        Second, there is no courage curriculum   that when he asked you a question   be fully present during the discussion
                                               in class, you responded by saying,
        in college. And so the skills required to   “Duh.” and then asked the other   and makes the process of memorializ-
        tell a teacher she won’t be renewed,   students if anyone would be willing   ing the exchange in writing far easier.
        or tell a parent her child won’t be    to “sell him a clue.” I have spoken   The next time you find yourself called to
        graduating, or inform the superinten-  to several witnesses who have      conduct a courageous conversation, try
        dent you don’t plan to offer the job   confirmed this exchange.           following the steps outlined by Susan
        to the cousin of a councilman are left                                    Scott. When you know the way, the will
        unlearned. Lacking the knowledge of    I am deeply concerned about your   may follow, and the students will win.
        how to conduct these kinds of conver-  ability to serve as a teacher in     •  Name the issue.
        sations, leaders may choose to avoid   our school if you are not able to
        having them altogether. Only to suffer   conduct yourself in a respectful   •  Select a specific example
        the consequences later.                and professional manner. I am          that illustrates the behavior or
                                                                                      situation you want to change.
        The good news is, “Courage can be      also concerned about the fact that   •  Describe your emotions about
                                               I addressed this issue with you
        learned.” (Saphier). Given a way to    last week and you disregarded          the issue.
        clarify the problem, organize one’s    my direction within days of our
        thoughts, and conduct the conversa-    conversation.                        •  Clarify what is at stake.
        tion, leaders can gain the confidence                                       •  Identify your contribution to the
        and competence necessary to address    There is a great deal at stake here.   problem.
        the issues that are compromising the   If you are going to continue to serve   •  Indicate your wish to resolve the
        “learning lives” of their students. I credit   as a teacher in this school, you are   issue.
        Susan Scott’s book, Fierce Conversa-   going to have to change the way you   •  Invite the person to respond.
                                               speak to students.

        References
        Abrams, J. (2009). Having Hard Conversations. Thousand Oaks: Corwin Press.
        Barth, R. (2001). Learning by Heart. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass
        Robinson, V., Hohepa, M., & Lloyd, C. (2009). School Leadership and Student Outcomes: Identifying What Works and
        Why. http://educationcounts.govt.nz/goto/BES
        Saphier, J. The Courage to Lead. www.rbteach.com.
        Scott, S. (2002). Fierce Conversations. Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a TIme. New York:
        Berkley Books.


         About the Author
                       Dr. Tracey Severns is currently the Director of Student Performance in Mount Olive and owner of
                       Teach4Results, a company dedicated to helping others improve student outcomes. Previously, she was
                       a special education teacher, vice principal, principal, superintendent, adjunct professor, and the Chief
                       Academic Officer for the New Jersey Department of Education. In 2011, she received the Middle Level
                       Leadership Award and was New Jersey’s Visionary Principal of the Year and a National Distinguished
                       Principal. In 2014, Dr. Severns was named Educator of the Year by the Peace Islands Institute and was
                       awarded an honorary Doctorate in Public Service from Georgian Court University.

                                             Educational Viewpoints       -7-       Spring 2017
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