Every Conversation is Professional Development

I’ve often heard that it takes at least three years to change the culture of a school. I’ve also watched principals look at their school, after several years, and express displeasure with the culture of their building. It’s almost as if they thought that the culture would magically improve in those three years. What they did not understand is that school culture reflects what the principal does on a day-today and minute-to-minute basis. If you want to change the culture of a school, you have to remember that every conversation is professional development. Even if you are not explicitly explaining something to someone, you are tacitly teaching them what you value and expect regarding your cultural expectations. As a principal, you don’t get to have any conversations that aren’t teaching people about what you value and what you expect from your staff for those you serve.

In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.

– Carol Dweck