In this episode, Jim Knight and Dr. Jessica Wise – fellow hosts of the Coaching Questions podcast, had the opportunity to chat about gearing up for a new school year. As we dive into our discussion, we share our own experiences and thoughts on how coaches can effectively invest in their professional development over the summer while also taking time to
recharge.

Key topics include:
Setting Expectations: We highlight the importance of establishing clear expectations for behavior in the classroom early in the school year to prevent disruptions.

Summer Professional Development: Coaches should consider taking time off to rejuvenate, arguing that breaks can enhance productivity. We encourage listeners to clarify their coaching roles and develop necessary tools, such as playbooks and data-gathering methods.

Recommended Readings: Jim shares several book recommendations for professional growth, including Coaching A to Z by Hasan Moon and You're Just Not Listening by Kate Murphy, emphasizing the value of effective communication and listening skills.

Engaging with Content: We discuss techniques for processing information from readings, such as creating mind maps or summaries, to ensure that learning is retained and applied effectively.

The episode wraps up with an invitation to the 2024 Teaching Learning Coaching Conference, encouraging educators to connect and grow together. Overall, the conversation is rich with practical advice and insights for coaches looking to start the school year strong.

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In this episode, I had the opportunity to have an insightful conversation with TLC 2024 breakout presenters John Campbell and Christ Munro who are leading experts in the field of educational coaching and leadership development. They have collaborated on various projects and publications, including their upcoming book "Growth Talk: Brief Conversations – Big Impact," which dives into their innovative approach to leadership, emphasizing how coaching skills can enhance everyday conversations in educational settings. Our focus is particularly on brief, informal interactions that can have significant impact.

This discussion equips listeners by providing practical tools and frameworks for more effective leadership conversations:

• The Learning Conversations Map:

• A framework to help leaders identify and organize different conversational contexts
• Two axes: leader's stance (facilitative to directive) and degree of formality (formal to informal)

• Focus on Brief, Informal Conversations:

• Emphasis on making short interactions more transformational and less transactional
• Recognition that a 10-minute conversation can be significant in moving things forward

• Practical Strategies:

• "What's wanted, what's working, what's next" framework for conversations
• Tuning listening skills to focus on desired outcomes and strengths

• Application in Educational Settings:

• Recognizes the complexity and time constraints in educational leadership roles
• Aims to make existing conversations more productive rather than adding new tasks

I hope this episode offers valuable takeaways for educators and leaders looking to improve their communication skills and foster growth in their organizations. As John Campbell and Chris Munro shared, these techniques can be immediately applied in daily interactions, emphasizing that even short conversations can be powerful tools for positive change in educational settings.

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A decade of research and hundreds of in-services later, The Impact Cycle provides an all-new instructional coaching cycle to help teachers and, in turn, their students improve in clear, measurable ways. Learn more here.

This podcast features a conversation with TLC 2024 presenter Trent Hall, a facilitator, sociologist, and communication expert who focuses on helping people "human better" and lean into our collective humanity. The discussion covers several key topics related to effective communication, coaching, and building connections:

1. Reflective listening techniques and the importance of listening to understand rather than respond
2. Using inclusive language that resonates with both "feelers" and "thinkers"
3. The concept of a "dignity lens" for seeing the inherent worth in all people
4. Building rapport and creating a collective culture in organizations
5. Practical communication tools like the SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) model for giving feedback
6. The importance of intentionality in communication and relationship-building

Throughout the conversation, Trent emphasizes the value of effective communication skills in fostering understanding, resolving conflicts, and honoring each person's humanity. He provides insights and practical tips that coaches, educators, and leaders can use to improve their interactions and create more equitable, connected environments.

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