Having Hard Conversations - Paperback

by Jennifer B. Abrams (Author)

"A thoughtful map for authentically engaging in and learning from hard conversations. Abrams gently teaches us why having these conversations matter and how they can help us grow."
--Eleanor Drago-Severson, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership
Teachers College, Columbia University

"A wonderful combination of coaching, consulting, and crafting a way of teaching us all to speak honestly in our relationships."
--Ann Lieberman, Senior Scholar
Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching

"Our teaching culture is adverse to conflict. Having tools like this will move education forward as a profession."
--Michael Grinder, National Director and Educational Consultant
NLP in Education

"This book has already changed my life. Just by reading it, my courage to have hard conversations has soared."
--Beth Madison, Principal
George Middle School, Portland, OR

Speak with clarity, confidence, and courage!

For many educators, confronting a colleague about a work-related issue can be a daunting matter. This insightful book helps educators speak with clarity and courage to directly address difficult situations within their schools.

Having Hard Conversations provides an interactive, personal approach to mastering the art of challenging conversations. The author′s step-by-step strategy addresses a wide range of situations, including communication with supervisees, peers, and supervisors. Emphasizing that initiative and preparation are the keys to a successful conversation, this resource includes:

• Thought-provoking questions and first-person accounts that help educators become more self-aware, effective communicators
• Advice on overcoming personal hesitation about expressing concerns
• Guidance on identifying goals for the conversation and choosing the best "what-where-and-when" for a productive discussion
• Sample scripts and practical tools to help educators prepare for the conversation

By addressing important issues directly and professionally, educators can find self-empowerment and promote an open, healthy school environment.

Author Biography

Jennifer Abrams is a national and international educational consultant for public and private schools, colleges and organizations. An English teacher for 9 years, Jennifer now trains and coaches teachers and administrators on successful teaching practices, new teacher support, supervision and evaluation, and collaboration skills. She presents at annual conferences such as NSDC, ASCD, NCTE, and the New Teacher Center at UC Santa Cruz Annual Symposium, as well as working with graduate students at Stanford′s Graduate School of Education and with administrative candidates at Santa Clara University. Jennifer′s current professional development sessions include "Having Hard Conversations", "The Voice of the Collaborative Teacher", and "Habits of Mind for the Systems Savvy Leader". She considers herself a "voice coach", helping teachers and administrators learn how to best use their voices, be it in a group, in front of a classroom, coaching a colleague, or in a supervisory role. Jennifer holds a Master′s degree in Education from Stanford University and a Bachelor′s degree in English from Tufts University. She lives in Palo Alto, CA.