Does anyone else feel like they can't trust anyone at work?
I feel like admin just tells me what I want to hear and then does the exact opposite.
I feel like my assistants talk trash about me behind my back. Although to be fair, their opinion is none of my business. And the fact that they are gossiping within district says more about them than me.
Mostly, I feel like a complete outsider here. Just kinda lonely.
Re: Promises Promises
Posted by me on 11/15/2019, 7:51 am, in reply to "Promises Promises"
Yes, a million times. I've noticed conventions getting colder every time I go because people are scared to talk and share anymore because of what someone might say. The profession use to be a lot more open to where you could talk to the people at the very top without worrying about them publicly demeaning you. I'm actually at a position that describes what you are mentioning and I tried to address the staff stuff and it has cost me my job. Doesn't really matter how good your resume is. The only thing I can say is that when I do pass away I KNOW that I'll be able to look God in the face and then immediately ask his forgiveness. I don't know how some people in this industry will do at the end.
Re: Promises Promises
Posted by Doc Too on 11/14/2019, 10:21 am, in reply to "Promises Promises"
I suggest you find the personal integrity to meet each of these challenges through private conversations with the persons involved. Then you have to continue handling similar matters in the same way. Let people learn that you will confront matters that are not proper or respectful of your person and your responsibilities.
1. Cultivate a climate of honesty and professionalism in a 360 degree radius around you. That means that you have to take action in the following ways, and perhaps in others as well.
2. When the admin seems to undercut you, meet with the person involved - not with the person's boss. Explain your perspective and ask if that is what was intended. Let them explain the offending actions and ask questions about things you don't understand or with which you disagree. Ask for what you need for the situation to be different.
3. Meet with all of your assistants and explain the importance of teamwork and mutual support - including the importance of team members representing each other positively to students, parents, admin, etc. (Matters of a negative nature should be handled one-on-one or within the confines of a staff meeting.) After that conversation, address the issue again the first time the behaviour continues - but one-on-one with the individual assistant whom you believe is still involved in not supporting the team.
As head director, you must realize that someone believes you are capable of handling the daily activities and the PR involved in building and maintaining a program. Learn to believe that about yourself and take action to make your environment what you need it to be. That is part of the job, and no one will do it for you.
Good luck!
Previous Message
Does anyone else feel like they can't trust anyone at work?
I feel like admin just tells me what I want to hear and then does the exact opposite.
I feel like my assistants talk trash about me behind my back. Although to be fair, their opinion is none of my business. And the fact that they are gossiping within district says more about them than me.
Mostly, I feel like a complete outsider here. Just kinda lonely.
Now Doc's response is what the YB posts should all be. Namely, well thought out, empathetic, practical, kind, helpful, professional, honest, etc. Thanks, Doc, for showing what the YB should and can be.