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.

Join us as we dive into the transformative world of Restorative Practices in education with the insightful Bridget Johnson. Co-founder of The Deans’ Roundtable and a seasoned Dean of Students with experience in boarding schools, Bridget is a passionate advocate for creating supportive and respectful educational environments.

Key Takeaways:

• Bridget’s journey in the field of Education
• Understanding Restorative Practice
• The importance of work, vulnerability, and authenticity
• Embracing fair processes
• Shifting focus towards managing relationships over discipline

🔗 Listen in to explore how Bridget’s approach fosters understanding, respect, and growth for all involved in the educational journey.

🔊 “We want everyone to come out of the situation feeling like they have been heard, respected, and supported in being their best self.” – Bridget Johnson

🔊 “Using restorative practices does not mean misbehavior has no consequences… it’s about restoring the harm that was done.” – Bridget Johnson