How to Have Difficult Conversations as an Educational Leader: Self-Reflections and Strategies for Success

This valuable new book helps school and district leaders build trust and credibility through meaningful conversations, even in the messiest situations. Starting with a good look at self-awareness, this book walks you through strategies to prepare for and have effective conversations with employees and colleagues. Rich in reflective exercises and real-life examples, you’ll finish this book with a better understanding of your own purpose, confidence, and wellness, and why all this matters to being a successful communicator. You will also have at your fingertips the specific steps to prepare for difficult meetings, start meetings with a clear outcome, listen with purpose and intent, implement a discussion effectively in any situation, and successfully close the meeting. This engaging book covers some of the most difficult scenarios confronted by principals, assistant principals, directors, and school district leaders, including performance feedback, meetings involving investigations, misconduct, disagreement, and delivering hard messages. Difficult conversations and holding other adults accountable can be overwhelming and intimidating, but armed with this book, you’ll know how to effectively provide feedback to further build trusting relationships with your school staff.

Patty Corum, Ed.D, is an educational trainer and speaker, and has 28 years' previous experience in public education as a teacher, principal, and deputy superintendent.