Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life, One Conversation at a Time.

[Karen Pedersen]

Hello Everyone:

 

I just realized that I needed to post two book discussions. 

The second book I have read this summer is called, Fierce Conversations. Achieving Success at Work and in life, One Conversation at a Time. by Susan Scott

 

I read this book because I am on an never ending journey to continue to foster professional and productive discourse with my colleagues, parents, and community at large in a productive and honest manner that brings change, or at least understanding to the topic at hand.

 

This book focuses on 7 principles to consider when having conversations with people.  These principles have proven to be very effective because they promote an honest approach when most people tend to "beat around the bush", "assume the other person understands what the discussion is about", "Say one thing, and then do another", " degrade professional reputations through gossip, etc.". 

 

The book has been very interesting as well as a great reminder of the value and importance of honest communication.  I found the following principals to be the most valuable to me:

1.  Principle 4:  "Tackle Your Toughest Challenge Today."   For this principal, the author uses the analogy of mole whacking. .  Moles are those ever present and never ending issues, events, and "fires" that come up every day at the least opportune time our profession.  For example:  last Thursday after school and duty, I sat at my desk to collect my thoughts and begin to read and respond to journal entries from my 5th grade students.  I had just sat down, looked at the clock and thought, if I work hard, I should be able to get out the door by 5:00 in time to make dinner and still have time to visit with a dear friend who is going through a very tough time.   I just started reading my first student's journal response when a colleague came in the door and said, "Do you have a minute; I have a quick question."  Well, you and I both know, no question is quick.  so, 30 minutes later, I got back to work on my first student's journal entry.  Just then another colleague stopped by, "Karen, when you organize your students into reading groups.......".  Needless to say, I spent another 45 minutes having a professional conversation with a colleague.  By 4:30, I sat back at my desk and looked at the first student entry realizing that I would be lucky to get home by 6:00.  (I arrive at school by 6:45 due to meetings and other morning events, so I was looking at a 12 hour day.)   In addition, parents can bring much mole whacking to the classroom.  Living in a very small community, parents may drop by during the school day, walk into the classroom and want to touch base about something.  So, gaining professional strategies to deal with these moles while honoring the relationship are vital.  (Although I have had lots of experience, I am always seeking ways to improve.)

These interruptions are considered "mole whacking" we are constantly spending our energy on so many issues, etc. that we become exhausted just whacking moles. In reality, we often neglect our top priorities.  The principle addresses ways to be honest with our colleagues, families, and friends so that we can reduce the mole whacking while honoring our professional and private relationships.

Great chapter.

 

2.  Principle 5:  "Obey Your Instincts".  This chapter was awesome.  the author really addresses the fact that that our instincts should be honored.   When dealing with colleaques, honor that gut feeling that warns of dishonest intent, etc.  The author writes, "There are things our gut knows long before our intellect catches on."     The main focus of this chapter is instincts require us to listen to our own internal voice. We should acknowledge it and use it as a reference point rather than rush to follow or embrace the myraid of other voices that may guide us in a direction that may not be best for our professional direction or personal life.  

 

 

Discussion Questions:

1.  How can honest conversations with colleagues support student learning?

 

 

2.  How often do you have focused conversations with colleagues, including the special education department, administrators, and parents,  within a school day?   When done with the conversation, do you feel there wa a mutual understanding?