Conversations That Build Relationships
In 2011 I was hired to be a social studies educator and coach in Higginsville, MO. The man who hired me would become a mentor for me. His name was Gary Wheeler and he was the middle school principal at the time. Gary was great at getting to know you and he did it by visiting your room before school or during your plan period and he would visit with you about your family and the things you like to do. I can tell you this made me feel at home at a time in my career when I desperately needed it. These conversations not only made me feel like Gary wanted to get to know me but they made me feel like I had a person in my corner and I could come to him if I needed anything.
Shortly after the school year started my Mother died from complications related to lung cancer. Gary knew how close I was to my Mother and that she was my hero. He knew because of these conversations just how hard this was going to be for me. I looked up during my Mother’s visitation and there was my principal Gary Wheeler who drove over 3 hours to another state just to show his support and pat me on the back. I never forgot that moment. When I took over for him a few years later I realized through his example that it was just as important to talk to people about things that weren’t work related at work as it was to talk about work. Those conversations built a trust and a bond that fueled my love for where I was working and the person that was leading me. I also learned that showing up for people outside of work was more impactful that I would have ever imagined.
As a leader it’s important that you visit with your staff at work. Intentionally plan to make time for small talk about their hobbies, favorite music, kids, parents or favorite restaurants. When your staff knows you care they will do anything for you even the hard stuff that nobody wants to do. I’m telling you conversations matter and will help build a culture of trust and support that will take you farther as a team than any program or idea. Have a great week and remember when your commitment is greater than your feelings you get results.
