iGeneration - Humane Use of Technology in an AI world (Pedagogy & Digital Innovation)

Whether you're a teacher or a principal, or have another role as an educator, you probably have interactions on a daily basis that involve complaints coming your way. The complaints might come from students, parents, or colleagues. These interactions can be difficult to handle and can really be a drain on energy and progress.


Just to be clear, I'm not suggesting every time someone brings up a problem, that it's unhelpful complaining. There are definitely complaints, or concerns, that bring light to legitimate issues and the messenger has an honest desire to make things better. Complaints can help us grow and improve.


And then there are complaints that have other, less desirable motives. I think we've all observed unhelpful complaining behaviors. Some people seem to find fault in everything and everyone and cast negative energy upon anyone who will listen. Blaming and complaining are often behaviors used to avoid personal responsibility.


But regardless of the intentions of the complaint, how can we best handle them when they come our way? How can we treat the person with dignity and respect, while still maintaining healthy boundaries? Here are some phrases I've used that have been helpful to me.

Communication skills are everything. Jack Modzelewski on why communication practices are a critical leadership skill.

By Ronald Williamson

Listening is about taking in information, but it can also be an opportunity to validate an individual’s current experience.

Be sure to view our useful handouts available to accompany The Ordinary Leader. Topics range from Effective Team Meetings to Sample Interview Questions.

Free eBook to Effective Communications - Developing Your Communication Skills This free eBook explains the basic principles of communication so that you can create an open and honest communications environment in any situation.

Teaching with a station rotation model is a great way to engage students in directing their own learning, provide an array of individual and group activities, and integrate a variety of instructional tools and resources. A station rotation model means that students rotate through a few different learning stations for a given time period, taking …

Emotional reasoning distorts the truth and negatively affects our ability to engage in respectful dialogue with each other.

By Ronald Williamson

I’ve always admired leaders who handle heavy responsibility with heart. Some leaders put on masks and lose themselves to the expectation of others. But leaders with heart bear the load of responsibility with steely resolve and compassion. Reject the idea that you have to be an ass to expect peak performance from others. Doug Conant…

Rubric and surveys can evaluate meaningful use of technology by teachers and students

Speed presentations are a fast, effective way to teach students presentation skills. Teacher Rob Donatelli helps us understand how.

Join Julian Treasure, one of the top TED speakers of all time, to learn the seven deadly sins of speaking…and the one leaders commit most often.

Too often leaders are promoted without understanding that one of their key roles is providing clear and considerate feedback to their direct reports.

Are you good at reading people? Here's why it's vital that you pay attention to the facial expressions of your listeners!

Free eBook to Communication Hacking - 5 Actionable Keys for Cultivating Powerful Conversational Change. Avoid the unnecessary communication pitfalls that prevent people from building the kinds of relationships they hope for.

The best way to counter disrespectful behaviour is to respond with respect. Only then can we break the unhealthy cycle of disrespect.

Jody Lambert