Episode Details

In this episode, host Will Parker prompts guest Jen Schwanke with seven thought-provoking questions derived from the book, The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay Stanier. This reflective dialogue aims to explore leadership challenges and ways to overcome them. Buy the book here.

Question Overview:

• The Kickstart Question: What’s on your mind?

• The Awe Question: And what else?

• The Focus Question: What’s the real challenge here for you?

• The Foundation Question: What do you want?

• The Lazy Question: How can I help?

• The Strategic Question: If you’re saying yes to this, what are you saying no to?

• The Learning Question: What was most useful to you?

Key Discussion Points:

Jen’s Leadership Struggles: She discusses her struggle with juggling many areas of life and work, expressing guilt about not being able to fully contribute to all of them.

The Challenge of Expectations: Jen talks about the pressure of living up to others’ expectations or perceived expectations and the importance of giving herself permission to be herself.

What Jen Really Wants: Her goal is to make a positive impact where she can, understanding that her contribution might look different from others.

The Power of Conversation: In response to “How can I help?”, Jen emphasizes that conversations like this are instrumental in uplifting leaders.

Strategic No’s: She expresses a desire to decline “dead ends and energy sucks”, focusing her energy more constructively.

This episode encourages leaders to engage in reflective exercises. Use these seven questions in a journaling session or invite a friend for a discussion. If you’d like a personal reflection session with Will, reach out to him at will@williamdparker.com. Listen to the full episode to get a better understanding of these discussion points and more!

A note from Will Parker

Hi, Friends.

Will Parker here. I wanted to give you a few updates. I just returned from speaking at an event in San Diego and enjoying some vacation time. My wife and I also celebrated our anniversary of 30 years! Many of you know that Principal Matters is now my full-time work, which means more opportunities for learning and growing with leaders like you.

This week I’ll be traveling to Columbus, Ohio, to provide a keynote for the Ohio State Department of Education’s School Sponsorship Program. On August 8, I will lead professional development for Morrison Public Schools in Oklahoma. August 14, 17, and 21, we will launch Executive Coaching and Masterminds with two cohorts of Ohio leaders. August 22 begins ongoing Masterminds for the Palo Alto High School Administration Team. And August 29, I will be with the Archdiocese of Louisville admin team for in-person events with principals participating in this year’s Principal Matters Grow Academy and Impact Mastermind.

If you’re interested in any of the offering