Please don't ask "How can I support you?"     - ever again

Beyond "How Can I Support You?": Rethinking Administrative Communication in Schools

Please stop asking.

In the realm of education, effective communication between administrators and staff is paramount for fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. However, the ubiquitous phrase, "How can I support you?" often falls short of addressing the nuanced needs and challenges faced by educators. This article explores why this seemingly well-intentioned question may be inadequate and offers alternative approaches for administrators to better support their staff.

1. Lack of Specificity:

The question, "How can I support you?" lacks specificity, making it challenging for educators to articulate their needs effectively. Without concrete guidance or context, educators may struggle to identify areas where they require assistance or resources. Instead, administrators can adopt a more targeted approach by asking probing questions that elicit specific information about the challenges educators are facing. For example, "What resources do you need to implement the new curriculum effectively?" or "How can we address the issue of student behavior in your classroom?" or 

better yet "What can I take off your plate today? Parent phone calls? Grading papers? Cleaning off the desks? Car duty?"

2. Power Imbalance:

The inherent power dynamic between administrators and staff can make educators hesitant to express their true needs and concerns. When administrators ask, "How can I support you?" without addressing the underlying power imbalance, it may perpetuate feelings of apprehension or reluctance among educators. To mitigate this issue, administrators should cultivate an open and inclusive communication culture where all voices are valued and respected. By actively listening to educators' feedback and involving them in decision-making processes, administrators can create a more equitable and collaborative work environment.

for example: establish channels for anonymous feedback to provide a safe space for educators to express their views without fear of reprisal. Actively involve educators in decision-making processes and valuing their input - AND let the teacher  oversee staff meetings and professional development. 

3. Reactive Approach:

The question, "How can I support you?" often reflects a reactive rather than proactive approach to addressing staff needs. Instead of waiting for educators to voice their concerns, administrators should take proactive steps to anticipate and address potential challenges before they escalate. This proactive approach may involve conducting regular check-ins with staff, providing ongoing professional development opportunities, and creating a supportive network of mentors or peer coaches. By being proactive in their support efforts, administrators can prevent issues from arising and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

here's an idea: admin step in for a class or two and let a teacher go observe another teacher that does something really well.  Also - remove the kindling instead of putting out fires. 

4. Lack of Follow-through:

In some cases, administrators may ask, "How can I support you?" but fail to follow through on their commitments or promises. This lack of follow-through can erode trust and confidence in administrative leadership, leading to disengagement and frustration among staff. To avoid this pitfall, administrators should prioritize accountability and transparency in their communication practices. If administrators make a commitment to support educators in a specific way, they should follow through on their promises and provide timely updates on progress. By demonstrating integrity and reliability, administrators can strengthen their relationships with staff and cultivate a culture of trust and collaboration.

again...FOLLOW THROUGH.  Communicate with the teachers...be honest...tell them what is really going on.  They will understand and they will trust you much more. Teachers are professionals...not children.

While the question, "How can I support you?" may be well-intentioned, its effectiveness is limited by its lack of specificity, perpetuation of power imbalances, reactive nature, and potential for lack of follow-through. To better support educators, administrators should adopt a more targeted, proactive, and accountable approach to communication. By fostering open dialogue, addressing power dynamics, and prioritizing proactive support initiatives, administrators can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Keywords: administrative communication, educator support, power dynamics, proactive approach, accountability, trust-building.