In “Building and Maintaining Relationships: A Guide to ‘People-First Leadership,’” authors Bridget Johnson and Meredith Ford emphasize the critical role of strong relationships in effective school leadership. They draw on insights from leadership coach Marcel Schwantes, highlighting the importance of understanding and valuing employees to foster a supportive and productive work environment. The blog explores the challenges school leaders face in forming meaningful connections amidst their busy schedules and offers practical strategies for self-reflection, empathy, open communication, and trust-building.
The post introduces the Folio Method, a structured approach for regular, meaningful conversations about employee growth. Johnson and Ford explain how school leaders can use faculty meetings, professional development days, and regular check-ins to nurture a supportive culture. They also suggest leveraging support networks within the school community to provide additional feedback and encouragement. By implementing “People-First Leadership,” readers will learn how to create a more connected and resilient school community, ultimately enhancing employee retention and fostering a growth-oriented environment.