Please read, this is funny!

Colleagues,

One other thought from Monday’s podcast: Make sure to clarify issues at the front end of a difficult conversation!

Back when I taught 8th grade, I received an evening call from an angry parent. She laid out her grievances and expressed her frustrations about a recent test. She was angry!

The thing is, I hadn’t given any tests that week.

It took some effort, but I stayed calm and kept listening. Finally, I realized the parent was complaining about a test in English. I taught History. 🤣 🤣 🤣

The parent didn’t have the English teacher’s number, but she had mine so I got the call.

It wasn’t about me. And probably, the parent’s anger wasn’t actually about the English teacher either. 

People mistarget their anger and frustration all the time. It’s not about you. Relax. Listen. See if you can help them. Collaboration beats conflict.

Cheers!

Frederick