Expert+Leader+Panel+-+Q+&+A


 * From Workshop 2 - Leadership and the Local Learning Community (Nagambie)

Developing mentoring ** – not about you with the mentee but understanding where they are and what they need next. Understanding the mentee’s context and provide solutions as a mentor to expose them to a range of possibilities. – Coaching: asking challenging questions and getting them to do the thinking. Asking and challenging the person by asking them where they are and what they want to know.


 * How do you deal with an under-performing staff member in the team? **– does this person know if they are under-performing? – Usually this is about conflict and its unpleasant. Always provide the ‘straight bat’ – say the way it is and how it is! If there is that culture of trust then handling difficult staff should be easier – always have this notion of feedback. Building relationships – Covey “Seek first to understand then seek to be understood’ – Don’t solve all of it at once and separate the personal – make sure it is the behaviour and not the ‘child’.


 * How do you deal with passive resistance? ** – Share our work with other people. – Focus attention of the goers, then the followers but don’t waste your energies on the intransigent (inflexible) as they will eventually follow on so long as you give them opportunities to do this – look at their strengths and value those skills.


 * How do you develop powerful community and parent links? ** – Champion the school and champion their involvement by recognition and valuing to build upon strength upon strength, making sure that through all staff and students that you are champions of the school. Informing each other appropriately. Making sure the same message is been given to all. They become the advocates for the school. Become resourceful with your parents.


 * How do you deal with the balance between personal and public? – ** making choices about how much to decide what you will give of yourself and remembering that when you are in those leadership roles in the beginning you do throw yourself into your work but remembering to balance and choosing what to take in and keep out.


 * How does the cluster work more cohesively? ** - Always talk up the positive. Each cluster has an AIP – Annual Implementation Plan – making sure that it is effective and efficient – clear communications and the areas and responsibilities are aligned with the education department. E.g.: Shared goal with student outcomes. Shared approach and accountability with the discourse and focus on support.