“Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results, not attributes (Peter Drucker).

Sometimes, we must be reminded that doing what’s right is not always doing what is popular. In fact, sometimes, it is quite the opposite. I think we all fall into the category of wanting to be so helpful that we forget there are goals for change that need to be attained. Layer the fear of losing one’s job, i.e., instructional coach, on top of wanting to please, and we get a lot of “niceness” and not enough data that indicates change is taking place. Don’t get me wrong… I’m not talking about collecting data that is directly related to student achievement… we know that there is no direct correlation unless the only support is instructional coaching. We do know, however, that the association between improved student outcomes and direct teacher support can be attributed to instructional coaching and mentoring.

So, what does that mean? It means that instructional coaches should be personable, friendly, respectful, sensitive, and a host of other attributes. But it also means that instructional coaches need to help teachers identify which practices need to be strengthened and subsequently changed in order for student outcomes to shift. And, this can’t be done by being likeable. Sometimes, those difficult conversations must be initiated.

“My concern about being over-focused on ‘likeability’ is that this becomes a prescription for just being ‘nice in the workplace’, and while being nice, and being civil is a good thing, it is not how to be a good leader”  says Karen Cates of the Kellogg School of Management (What’s Not to Like? www.iedp.com/articles, December 17, 2019). In fact, she goes on to say, “Likeability is a good thing to have in your leadership toolkit, but it shouldn’t be the biggest hammer in the box.”

The coaching role is messy and knowing the areas of strength and areas of need for your teaching colleagues and addressing those necessities will make a difference in changing practice. That’s leadership!

What’s the biggest hammer in your coaching toolbox?

Over the last few days, I’ve experienced what countless others have experienced – a great feeling of grief. This blog is more personal than professional. Not only are we mourning Kobe and his beautiful daughter Gianna, but the other seven passengers as well. Each one of them was a child, parent, aunt, uncle, sister, brother, friend, associate, a person. These horrific deaths remind us that nothing is promised – not today or tomorrow.

Of course, we all talk about Kobe because he was famous. For me, he played ball in gym class with my son. For others, they knew “of him” like they knew “of” the seven other casualties of this fatal flight. Whatever your relationship is/was with the deceased, the one thing for certain is that death may knock on anyone’s door at any time.

At the same time, these deaths have galvanized classrooms nationally and internationally. I’ve been reading about how teachers are using this tragedy as a way for their students to reach out to their peers to give and get support. What a positive impact on our students! Teachers are making time, not finding time, for their students to mourn these losses. They are giving their students a voice in the healing process.

One quote of Kobe was especially meaningful to me, “I’ll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it is sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.” What great advice to the world… never stop doing whatever you can to accomplish your goals, individually and collectively.

So while we all mourn this devastating loss, may Kobe’s words of wisdom resonant for all future generations. Rest in peace: Kobe and Gianna Bryant; Alyssa, Kerri, and John Altobelli; Christina Mauser; Sarah and Payton Chester; and Ara Zobayan.