Leading with Clarity: Embracing Growth, Communication, and Technology in Education With Jennifer Abrams
Topics: Curriculum and Instruction, Health and Wellness, Middle Level, Principal Pipeline, Professional Learning, School Culture and Climate, Student Engagement
“Clarifying conversations come before any hard conversation.”
Jennifer Abrams
In this episode, Jennifer Abrams, Educator, explores how embracing technology, improving communication, and fostering personal growth can empower educators and strengthen school leadership.
Hosted by NAESP member, author, and keynote speaker Adam Welcome, NAESP Leadership Conversations returns for Season 2, offering fresh insights and professional growth opportunities from top educational thought leaders. In each conversation, you’ll discover innovative strategies to enhance your leadership, foster collaboration, increase job satisfaction, and gain practical tools to apply in your daily work.
Top Takeaways:
- Integrate Real-World Tech Thoughtfully. Embrace tools like ChatGPT to model responsible, real-world technology use while fostering critical thinking and ethical engagement.
- Find Your Voice in Difficult Conversations. Approach tough topics with clarity and courage. Define your expectations, prepare for discomfort, and maintain the focus on students’ well-being.
- Clarity Over Harshness. Clear communication means avoiding ambiguous language, not resorting to bluntness. Use neutral, respectful language to minimize misinterpretation and unnecessary tension.
- Self-Audit Your Communication. Regularly reflect: Am I clear about my expectations? Am I modeling what I ask of others? Do I seek feedback and adjust accordingly?
- Adapt Communication Channels Mindfully. With so many platforms—email, text, meetings—tailor your message for each while ensuring consistent, core messaging across channels.
- Prioritize Your Own Growth. Adult development isn’t optional. Commit to personal growth through reading, training, and peer discussions to foster a stronger, healthier school culture.
- Navigate Cultural Differences Skillfully. In diverse environments, consider cultural norms and values when communicating. Resources like The Culture Map can guide you in understanding global communication styles.
- Be Ready for ‘Necessary Trouble’. Inspired by John Lewis’s legacy, know when to disrupt the status quo to advocate for students, colleagues, or ethical practices.
- Commit to Lifelong Learning. Stay curious and connected. Attend conferences, engage with thought leaders, and bring new insights back to your schools.
- Balance Professionalism with Humor. Use light-heartedness to build rapport and ease tension, but always in service of the work. Humor can humanize leadership and foster trust.
Reflection Questions:
- How am I modeling thoughtful and responsible use of technology for my students and colleagues?
- What are my go-to strategies for navigating difficult conversations, and how can I improve them?
- How can I adapt my communication style for diverse audiences without compromising clarity?
- What steps am I taking toward my personal growth as an educational leader?
- How can I use humor to strengthen relationships and communication in my school community?
See Jennifer at UNITED25!
As administrators, coaches or colleagues, we often come up against situations where difficult topics must be addressed. What do we know about the best strategies for these specific moments? What questions should we be asking ourselves before we speak, and what language is best for when we do speak? Based on Jennifer’s books, Having Hard Conversations and Hard Conversations Unpacked, and her work with conflict and interpersonal communication, this session will provide participants with planning and scripting tools for having those necessary humane and growth producing conversations with families at this time of unpredictability.