Episode Details

This week Will Parker and Jen Schwanke respond to a listener question submitted several months ago but still relevant today for leaders:

“I’ve been a loyal listener of the Principal Matters podcast and value the insights from both William and Jen. As a new principal of a small school with 125 students and 9 teachers, I’m facing a challenge. The staff has developed a ‘silo mentality’ since the pandemic, and it’s been hard to break. Any tips for authentically fostering stronger relationships among staff and creating a unified team culture?”

Key Discussion Points

Jen’s Strategies

1. Team Consultation:

• Don’t tackle it alone. Assemble a group of teacher leaders and collaborate.
• Identify the Objective: Identify the root causes of the ‘silo mentality.’
• Ask Direct Questions: Ask staff if they’re overwhelmed, disconnected, or unfamiliar with colleagues, and how this can be addressed.

2. Social Gatherings:

• Host casual outings, like a gathering at your home or a park.
• Set an Agenda: A brief meeting, followed by food and socializing.
• Incentivize: Give back time by canceling a less-urgent staff meeting.

3. Community Building in Meetings: 

• Sharing Segment: Don’t be the only one talking at your meetings. Start meetings with someone talking about a colleague.
• Focus Areas: Share school, home, extracurriculars, or even quirky facts.

4. Leverage Positive Gossip: 

• End-of-Meeting Highlights: Share positive news or achievements about staff members. 
• Criteria: Only share information with consent and highlight overlooked successes.

5. Invite Student Involvement: 

• Cross-Teacher Projects: Encourage project-based learning initiatives across different teachers or teams.
• Showcase Events: Create daytime events to show off collaborative projects.

Will’s Ideas

1. Intentional Time:

• Equate the time spent together with the strength of relationships.
• Scheduled Gatherings: Plan specific times for team activities that are already built into the schedule.
• Communication: Openly share your heart and vision for a cohesive team.

2. Event-Based Engagement: 

• Pre-Event Activities: Tailgate parties or staff dinners are a great way to include staff in the life of the school while building cohesion.
• Sitting Arrangements: Designate areas for staff to sit together at games. Strategize space for them to enjoy time together.
• Time Bonuses: Sending staff home early when possible, especially those caring for pets, aging parents, or young children.

3. Ask Your Staff to Set Norms: 

• Valued Practices: Encourage staff to set the commitments everyone can adopt for team meetings and stick to them.

4. Tradition and Culture: 

•   Traveling Trophies: Employ fun recognitions where teachers and staff recognize each other.

5. Student Participation: 

•  Meeting Features: Bring students into staff meetings for updates or talent showcases.
• Friendly Competition: Introduce “Houses” or teams among staff for fun contests.

Let’s wrap this up

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