The Most Challenging People At Work And The Opportunity They Offer You

Real Talk for Real Teachers with Dr. Becky Bailey and special guest Ali Oliver

Episode Summary

Are there people in your life you find challenging to work with or be with? Why do we find some people so irritating and how can we utilize those irritations as opportunities for growth?

The way we perceive sensory input, information from others and data gathered about the outside world determines if we will react from old programming or respond in wise and helpful ways. When we take others’ upset personally, we are not able to see from their perspective or offer help.

Listen in as Ali Oliver, Director of Professional Development for Conscious Discipline and former transformational Principal, shares strategies for working with the most difficult staff, parents and students in our lives.

Essential Takeaways

• The quality of relationships shapes the function of our brain. When challenging people come to us, it’s important to QTIP (Quit Taking It Personally) and be present so they feel heard and we can better understand what they are communicating. Breathing and preparing ourselves in these moments allows us to connect during upset and respond in a helpful way rather than react.

Steps for Tomorrow

• Build a way to connect within the building
• Prepare yourself by learning your own triggers and upset tendencies, and then practice active calming
• See from the other person’s point of view and know their upset is not about you

Important Links

• ConsciousDiscipline.com
• Video: Wiring the Brain for Success
• Video: Power of Perception Webinar

Product Mentions

• The NEW Conscious Discipline Book – Expanded & Updated
• Conflict Resolution Time Machine Desk Mat

Show Outline

• :20 What is Conscious Discipline
• 1:28 Working with those who challenge us the most
• 3:30 Understanding our states of consciousness
• 5:58 Introduction of guest Ali Oliver, former transformational Principal and current Director of Professional Development for Conscious Discipline
• 6:50 Working with difficult parents and teachers
• 11:18 Reframing and providing empathy to diffuse others’ upset moments
• 15:11 Working with the most difficult children
• 18:32 Using Conscious Discipline with adults
• 21:07 Working with staff members in conflict moments
• 23:20 Changing the language we use during adult upsets
• 27:06 Importance of connecting the faculty
• 28:14 Steps for tomorrow
• 30:34 What it means to see from another’s point of view
• 34:40 Steps for tomorrow

Thank You for Listening

There are many ways you could have spent this time today, but you chose to spend it with me and I am grateful. If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it with others via your favorite social media platforms.

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On behalf of our Conscious Discipline family, we wish you well.