15 minute forum: ‘Positive relationships with staff and students’ | Sharon Porter | @sporteredu

Date: 12/09/2014

Summary of forum.

Make it a habit.

• Make an effort at all times (even if you are feeling ‘crappy’).
• Smile and say “Hello!”, “Good morning!”, “Good day!”  Even if you don’t know that member of staff or even if you don’t teach that student…it can make a difference to someone’s day.

Positive relationships with students.

• You will need to do the usual text book stuff
  • Praise students
  • Let them know that you are proud of them (verbally or written amongst feedback in books)
  • Make sure that students are aware of your expectations; be firm, be fair be consistent.

Positive relationships with colleagues

• Make eye contact when you are talking (it might feel a bit strange to start with but it just comes across as rude if you don’t!)

• Listen.  Really listen.  Try not to sit there thinking about what you are going to say next…you’re not really listening.  Summarise what you’ve heard and clarify this with ‘informed’ questioning.
• Express yourself; don’t just agree all the time.  Challenge colleagues in conversation and occasionally ask “why?”
  • Why do you think that?  Where did you get that information?…..

• Give someone a compliment – I really liked what you had to say in that meeting because…; I thought that proforma you produced was really good; I particularly liked….

• Don’t shoot folks down if you don’t like what they have to say.  Suggest alternatives
• Offer help – even if you are really busy, can you take on a small task to help a colleague?  There is always someone in a worse position that you.
• Be positive…it will make you feel better!