Early in the summer of my first principal gig, I met with Carrie, a veteran 2nd grade teacher and team leader. Among other things, I asked Carrie what I could do to support her work.
She replied, “I just want my students to know who their principal is.” That was it. That is all she wanted. Nothing about pay, a new role, more time off, new curriculum materials, less stress, or anything about her.
It was one of the most profound things a teacher had ever asked me because of its many implications.
First, was the previous principal not very visible, or was he or she extremely engaged with classrooms? Either option impacted the current culture and teacher expectations, which allowed me to consider how my style fit with the culture.
Carrie’s comment also spoke volumes about her priorities, and how much she put students ahead of anything else. I assumed that many teachers did the same, especially given Carrie’s leadership, influence, and relationships with other staff.
For me, her request also reinforced why I went into education and gave me a different perspective on the role of the school principal. In a way, it freed me up to be myself and engage with this new group of students more authentically. I could be myself!
Overall, Carrie’s answer to that simple question gave me a deep understanding of her motivation and priorities, it shed light on the culture of the school, it gave me the freedom to engage with students in meaningful ways, it informed my initial priorities in a new role, and it gave me a perspective that influenced the rest of my career as an educator.
I learned all of that because I took the time to ask a question, actively listen, and reflect on what I had learned from her. It also helped that I enjoy asking people questions about themselves. I enjoy the conversations, I want people to feel good about themselves, and I might find an opportunity to help them in some unique way.
How often do you take time to ask strangers a simple question like what they do, or where they are from? If you have, you know how it often leads to more questions, and soon you both are making connections and developing rapport.
Taking the time to connect with staff and ask simple questions about them is one of the most effective ways to build relationships, trust, and influence.
If you have any questions or want to transform your leadership for impact, please contact me. Better yet, schedule a complimentary Leadership Breakthrough Call! I would love to hear your leadership story and talk about your goals!