3 Steps To Build Positive Relationship With That 10% of Staff That Hate You

Episode 40

There is always going to be a percentage of staff that doesn’t like you.  There might not be an active dislike but they may not completely trust you.  According to an article at bloomberg.com entitled: Americans Can't Stand Their Bosses, and Bosses Admit They're Phoning it in half of the American workforce has quit their job to get away from a bad boss.  The following three steps are easy tips to build connections and lower that percentage.  In doing so you can avoid staff turnover and cultural instability in your school.

What’s in a name
People inherently like the sound of their own name.  It’s important that you use it when addressing staff who may not be on the same page as you.  Calling them by name in staff meetings and providing them opportunities to express opinions in areas of alignment is a good way to soften overall tensions.  

They actually have a life
The life of an educator is often overwhelming and time consuming.  Treating them as if education is their life and expecting them to treat it as such is a recipe for resistance.  Learn something about their life outside of the four walls of the classroom.  Once you do so bring that up in conversation or send them an email with a link that they may find interesting.  Addressing all parts of the person is a great way to build credibility and rapport.  

You may have more in common than you think
This idea goes back to them having a life.  Once you learn more about them you may find that you actually have things in common.  One of the ways people connect is by belonging to the same “tribe”.  Being fans of the same team or interested in the same television show gives you something to bond over.  

There is always going to be a small percentage of staff members that don’t like you.  Shrinking this percentage by addressing these staff members by name, treating them like they have a life and bonding over similarities are three strategies that will help.  Use the comment section below to share some tips from your experience.

For more tips and strategies check out my blog or podcasts at http://www.theprincipalentrepreneur.com/.  If you’re looking for a group of supportive principals join our private FB group.  We’re currently engaged in The Principals’ 20 Day Classroom Challenge!

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