"It's really about managing ourselves..."

Kristin Gilger rocked my perspective this afternoon. I so appreciated her direction with us. Five minutes of complaining and then on to the solutions for managing our principals. Exactly!

In my limited experience as an adviser, I've already put myself in a few unpleasant conversations with my boss. In reflecting today, I have to admit that most of the conversations that have gone south are in large part due to my own defensiveness and anger. I steered that ship into the territory that I always hope to avoid.

I thanked Kristin after the session ended and expressed our appreciation for her insights and advice. She told me that she meant to tell us something else -- a critical take away. She said, "It's really about managing ourselves." To which I replied, "That was made incredibly clear. Thank you."

And whether or not I want to admit it, the relationship is my responsibility and the tough conversations are about my own self-management. And it's such a challenge to do. Especially if you're like me and always have something else to say.

So thank you, Kristin, for the reminder that it is really all about managing ourselves. Deep breath. And that's what we'll do. Because it's the right thing to do for us, for our principals, and for our students.

Corie Shields
Classical Academy High School
Escondido, Calif.