1. Creating and Maintaining Positive Relationships at Work

2. One Take on the Basics of Communication
Communication to achieve mutually satisfying solutions, honour positive relationships and foster respect. (assertive)
Communication that avoids confrontation, criticism and complaints at all costs – tends to avoid getting involved or taking action. (passive)
Communication that uses manipulation e.g. whining, yelling, pouting, screaming, complaining, crying, getting one’s feelings hurt.
(aggressive)
Communication designed to pay someone back or teach someone a lesson – avoids confrontation but uses manipulation to get even
(passive-aggressive)
Ideas taken from Life would be easy if it weren't for other people

3. Some of my best advice about working in a new (to you) school
Observe and listen to the school culture, reflect on what you can learn from it and how you can contribute
Be willing to do more following than leading in your first year but don’t be a leech – contribute positively to your environment
Find a colleague (it doesn’t have to be in your school) to whom you can turn when you have questions or want to reflect on a situation

4. 15 Most often used strategies when managing situations

5. 1. Gather Pertinent Information
Forewarned is forearmed
- Cervantes
Knowledge is power
-Francis Bacon

6. 2. Defer Action Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
-Alexander Pope
Timing is everything
-George Burns

7. 3. Refuse to be baited It takes two to make a fight -Unknown
Fools bite one another, but wise men agree together
-George Herbert

8. 4. Compile a list of positive responses to use during uncomfortable discussions
Honey catches more flies than vinegar
-Franklin Praimanac

9. 5. Learn to apologize It takes a big person to say “I’m sorry.”
-Unknown

10. 6. Listen to body messages
Fear is the beginning of wisdom
- Unknown

11. 7. Develop a plan to get help
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - Scammell
To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace
- George Washington

12. 8. Get a grip
Think before you speak
- William Shakespeare

13. 9. Be selective when speaking
Don’t open a can of worms
-Unknown

14. 10. Recognize enemies and dissenters
Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me
-Unknown

15. 11. Speak Softly
Speak softly and carry a big stick
-Teddy Roosevelt

16. 12. Develop listening skills
Listen, don’t just hear
- Unknown

17. 13. Utilize credible witnesses
There is strength in numbers
-Unknown

18. 14. Remain Detached
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me
-Mother Goose

19. 15. Move on Don’t cry over split milk - Andrew Yamanton
Don’t spit into the wind
- Jim Croce
Don’t let your heart rule your head
-Unknown

20. Red, Yellow, Green Cards

21. Nonviolent Communication
Also called Compassionate Communication, Mindful Communication, Conscious Communication, Authentic Communication
The goal is to generate a climate where everyone’s needs can be considered equally.
Used when there is an intention to make a connection.
Which means we may choose not to use it in certain interactions.

22. Basic Premises of NVC
All humans have the same needs, and all we are ever trying to do, with our words and actions, is to have those needs met.
People are fundamentally compassionate, but we have been trained to appreciate “violence”.
Each person is responsible for their feelings, as they are born out of their own needs. Each person is responsible for getting their own needs met.
It is possible to express ourselves authentically and remain respectful of others.

23. The NVC Process
OBSERVATIONS – the facts (actions, words, gestures) that trigger a reaction in you. NOT interpretations, evaluations, labels…
FEELINGS – Your reaction to the observations creates feelings in you. All feelings are linked to a need.
NEEDS - Identify the need that is linked to the feeling. Needs are universal, intangible, and intrinsic.
REQUESTS – state how you will take charge of meeting your needs, without making demands.

24. 2-way Intention to Connect
Authentic Expression
Empathic Listening
I express my observation
I receive your observation
I express my feeling
I receive your feeling
I express my need
I receive your need
I express my request
I receive your request

25. Practice
Visualize heading into the same old fight with your partner or a family member
A difficult conversation with a parent of a student
A chronic issue you have with a colleague

26. 5 steps To Poor Listening
Remember strategy 12?
Jackpot! Read article and be ready to answer 5 questions about the article

27. Teaching Compulsory Courses
Teaching compulsory courses is no different from teaching other electives.
4-corners: strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, strongly disagree
Go to your corner and compile and chart a list of reasons, and/or examples in your group.
Post your list, then we will all do a walk about and consider the other viewpoints.