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Candy Stripes

Self-differentiated leadership & Crucial Conversations

Self-differentiated leadership

In my introductory work, I emphasized the importance of leadership functions. Being a leader requires the use of abilities and skills, including emotional intelligence. As leaders in both the classroom and student community, it's vital to learn how to regulate emotions and anxiety, maintain self-control in our work environment, and strive for success in achieving our goals.

My Innovation proposal involves teaching pre-kindergarten children mathematics. This area of education requires working with young children and parents who may not prioritize their child's education, making it crucial to manage emotions and handle frustration from lack of support. As humans, we may not always understand why our plans don't come to fruition. Personally, I've experienced failure in my educational lessons and questioned my place in the field. However, understanding that not everything will go as planned is a crucial aspect of managing emotions and feelings.

A differentiated leader stands out from a typical leader in their approach to various situations they encounter. Whether it is a moment of accomplishment, danger, anger, or frustration, they possess the ability to understand and respond appropriately. They assess the risks and opportunities before them, and maintain their motivation towards achieving their goals. In addition, they possess a strong and determined character, and do not let others' opinions affect their work. They recognize their own strengths and those of their team members, and handle conflicts with maturity. As a teacher or professional in any field, it is worth reflecting on whether you are a typical or differentiated leader.

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Crucial Conversations

How to Stay Focused on What You Really Want

I always ensure that I am motivated enough to stay focused on my goals. This means all the team needs stay positive, excited, and never getting stuck.

  1. Get unstuck

The Power of Dialogue

Before starting the project, it is crucial to gather the opinions, doubts, questions, and important points from the entire work team in order to begin on a positive note.

5. Master my  stories

How to Stay in Dialogue When You're Angry, Scared, or Hurt

In this section, we learn how crucial conversations can create positive emotions and facilitate open communication. This can greatly benefit teamwork, especially when working with children.

6. STATE my path

How to Speak Persuasive, Not Abrasively

This part of the crucial conversations is highlighted by a word STATE, I will explain its meaning below.

Share my facts my team.

Tell my story.

Ask for my paths.

Talk tentatively.

Enncourage testing my team.

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2. Start with the heart

3. Learn to look

How to Notice When Safety Is at Risk

In this conversation step, it's important to acknowledge the topic being discussed and assess its importance. We should also consider the emotions and concerns of our team regarding teamwork.  We should schedule team meetings to discuss how to handle these terms during our free time.

7. Explore other paths

How to Listen When Others Blow Up or Clam Up

When safety is a concern, prioritize it. Apologize if you offend someone, and use contrasting to clarify misunderstandings. Find a mutual purpose in conflicts and explore others' perspectives.

4.  Make it safe

How to Make It Safe to Talk about Almost Anything

Establishing security measures is crucial in fostering effective collaboration among team members. It is imperative to prioritize the creation of a secure environment to promote a culture of trust and teamwork.

8. Move to action

How to Turn Crucial Conversations into Action and Results

Ensure successful crucial conversations by avoiding violated expectations and inaction, resulting in united action and better decisions. 

Decide How to Decide: Command, Consult, Vote and  Consensus.

References

Patterson, K., Grenny, J., Mcmillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2012). Crucial conversations: Tools for talking when stakes are high. Mcgraw-Hill Education.

 

Friedman’s Theory of Differentiated Leadership Made Simple. (n.d.). Www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9H-i9lHr28

Callibrain. (2015). Video Review for Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFaXx3pgaxM

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Crucial Conversations Explained in 2 Minutes. (n.d.). Www.youtube.com. Retrieved October 7, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixEI4_2Xivw

Iliana Reyes, Houston, TX. 2024

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