The Principal as Leader of Challenging Conversations

"The last thing a principal needs is more stress! This book helps build skills that will ensure that challenging conversations go the way they should-toward resolution and peace."
-Beth Madison, Principal
George Middle School, Portland, Oregon

Direct difficult discussions toward successful outcomes every time!

For every principal who has ever wished for a quick reference guide to keeping challenging conversations on course, the ideal tool is here! Inside are all the skills you need for navigating high-stakes interactions with staff, parents, students, and district leaders, and steering them toward win-win solutions. Case studies throughout the book identify the risk areas and provide the steps to mastering techniques for

• Active listening
• Assertive communication
• Providing effective feedback
• Staying calm
• Problem solving
• Mediation

Also included are scripts, sample dialogues, style inventories, checklists, and resources for practicing skills learned from the case studies. Like having a communications coach in your back pocket, this guide gives tips for building a collaborative culture focused on what matters most-working together to achieve student success.