Become a Master of Difficult Conversations

In this episode I explore how to handle difficult as a school leader. This discussion is particularly pertinent for school leaders, teachers, and anyone in a managerial role who grapples with the challenge of providing feedback that is both impactful and compassionate.

I start by sharing my experiences as a department lead, reflecting on the anxiety and uncertainty I faced when addressing a colleague's underperformance. This personal story leads into an in-depth look at the COIN framework, a structured approach developed by organsational consultant Anna Carroll, which is designed to help leaders deliver clear, effective, and non-confrontational feedback. The COIN model, which stands for Context, Observation, Impact, and Next Steps, is broken down with practical examples. I demonstrate its utility in various difficult situations, like discussing unmet responsibilities and dealing with sensitive issues such as sexist language in the workplace.

Throughout the episode, I emphasise the significance of this framework in turning challenging conversations into chances for growth and mutual understanding, thus nurturing a more positive workplace atmosphere.

Key Quotes:

1. "Life is full of difficult conversations. We've all had them, we've all squirmed through them."
2. "Using a framework or system makes these challenging conversations feel a bit more manageable."
3. "The COIN model is an acronym for Context, Observation, Impact, and Next Step."
4. "This framework... helps free up some of your cognitive space, which is crucial in these challenging situations."

References:

• Anna Carroll, Organizational Consultant and Creator of the COIN Framework
• "The Feedback Imperative" by Anna Carroll

Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIN. My website is shaneleaning.com.

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About the host

Shane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 14 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.

Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensive

Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.

You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com

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