Healthy Esteem – Caring Personally while Challenging Directly

Why kindness in emotionally intelligent communication is sometimes not enough

Most of us would prefer to be part of an environment where everybody gets along well and works collaboratively. But this isn’t always the case, even in a high performing school. What happens when we need to deliver a tough message or give someone difficult feedback? How do we do that ethically but clearly? How do we also model that skill for students? The keynote will propose that outstanding communication in the workplace includes the ability to do this, as well as to praise and encourage others.

In her book “Radical Candour” for instance, top executive coach Kim Scott argues that effective communication sometimes requires the ability to care personally but challenge honestly and directly.

When we fail to do this in a school environment, either because we are understandably nervous of causing offence or because we have become cynical about achieving change, working communications can be significantly damaged. This affects outcomes for both staff and students.

Its largely an issue around esteem. That which we hold for both ourselves and others. In fact healthy esteem can be seen as a key ingredient in building outstanding schools.