Tell Me So I Can Hear You

In Tell Me So I Can Hear You, Eleanor Drago-Severson and Jessica Blum-DeStefano show how education leaders can learn to deliver feedback in a way that strengthens relationships as well as performance and builds the capacity for growth. Drawing on constructive-developmental theory, the authors describe four stages of adult growth and development and explain how to differentiate feedback for colleagues with different ';ways of knowing,' which include: *; Instrumental knowers, who tend to see things in black and white (';Did I do it right or wrong?') and may need to develop the capacity for reflection. *; Socializing knowers, who are concerned with maintaining relationships (';What do you want me to do?') and may need support developing their own ideas. *; Self-authoring knowers, who have strong ideologies and values (';How does this fit with my goals and vision?') and may need help with perspective taking. *; Self-transformative knowers, who are able to examine issues from multiple points of view (';How can I understand this more deeply?') and may need guidance in resolving tensions and contradictions. The authors show how leaders can provide feedback in ways that ';meet people where they are' while expanding the developmental capacities educators bring to their work. Drago-Severson and Blum-DeStefano provide real-life examples with practical strategies for creating a safe space for feedback, finding the right words, and bridging feedback and action. Tell Me So I Can Hear You offers invaluable guidance to help educators support a culture of learning in classrooms, schools, and districts.