The Small Ways We Build Lasting Relationships In Education

My mentor said to me at our last meeting, "The only true measure of greatness is consistency." If we as educators and administrative leaders want to be great, we need to do the small things consistently each day. This quote applies directly to one of the most important functions of education and life, relationships. In education, we must not forget that we are in the business of building relationships, serving others, and creating pathways that inspire success. 

It is easy to fall into the "same-old" trap. We start the year strong, but after two months we forget to do some of the things that make our students love having us as their leader. This post is meant to serve as a reminder of the small things you can do each day to inspire others and build lasting relationships.

1. Smile & Greet: One of the simplest ways to brighten anyone's day and mood is with a smile. Do you sit behind your desk as students walk into your classroom/school or are you at the door welcoming them with a big happy grin? Student's notice when you are excited to see and teach them! BE VISIBLE and PRESENT.
2. Ask questions that don't require one word answers: How often do we ask our students and teachers how are they doing and they respond with a uninformative "GOOD?" If we want to build stronger relationships and get to know those we work with better, we must ask better questions and listen more than we speak. HERE are 101 fun and engaging questions to ask people to spark a better conversation.
3. Drop notes and compliment: When students and teachers are caught doing something positive, write and drop them a small note. Your words of acknowledgement and encouragement may mean more than you will ever know.
4. Listen and care: As educators, we are multitaskers. We have an amazing ability to listen to a student's question while doing three other things at the same time. Are we really listening or are we going through the motions? It is OK to stop what you are doing for a minute, turn to the person, make eye-contact, smile, and genuinely listen to what they have to say. This builds trust and respect.
5. Laugh and tell stories: One of the best ways we learn and grow from each other is through authentic stories. How often do you use story telling with your students or staff? The more we laugh with each other and use storytelling as a part of the way we communicate, the stronger relationships we will form with those we serve.

These seem like simple tasks that educators and administrators should do each day as good instructional practice and leadership, but if we have a ton of things to grade and hundreds of emails to answer, they are the first to go out the window. Never forget, it is the small things that are done consistently each day that inspire greatness. Are you doing these in your classroom and school? Dare to be above the status quo!