Summary for Educators: How to Hold Intentional Conversations With Educators

In their article “How to Hold Intentional Conversations With Educators” (Edutopia, August 15, 2025), T.J. Vari and Joseph Jones stress that effective communication is at the heart of school leadership, especially when decisions are sensitive or high-stakes. While digital communication has streamlined efficiency, school leaders must remember that face-to-face, intentional dialogue remains irreplaceable for performance reviews, tough conversations, and relationship building

The Case for Face-to-Face Communication

The authors recommend a clear three-part framework for determining when a conversation should be in person:

1. Does a critical decision need to be made?

2. Is the situation sensitive?

3. Are we deliberately building a relationship?

If the answer is yes to any of these, a knee-to-knee meeting is essential. In-person exchanges allow for tone, nuance, and body language—elements digital platforms cannot fully capture. This deeper communication ensures understanding and minimizes misinterpretation.

Performance Reviews as Relationship Builders

Performance reviews, whether to celebrate achievements or address areas for growth, should occur in person. Leaders can use this time to provide constructive, candid, and compassionate feedback that strengthens trust. The authors propose a framework:

• Begin with the specific area of focus.

• Explain why it matters.

• Link the behavior or outcome to student and school impact.

• Conclude with a concrete closing statement.

Leaders should also clearly invite staff members into these conversations to reduce anxiety. For example: “I’d like to meet in person so we can have a productive conversation about your performance and growth.” Such intentionality conveys respect, eliminates ambiguity, and fosters professional growth.

Tough Conversations: Preparation and Ground Rules

Challenging conversations—whether about budget cuts, student discipline, or instructional strategy—demand face-to-face communication to ensure clarity and preserve relationships. Preparation is vital: leaders must plan their message carefully and remain attentive to nonverbal cues.

Before beginning, ground rules can keep the dialogue constructive:

• Listen intently and assume positive intent.

• Focus on actions and outcomes, not personalities.

• Respect differing perspectives.

The authors note that digital platforms, while convenient, often leave participants disengaged or confused about the weight of decisions. Being “in the same room” reinforces shared accountability and mutual understanding.

Relationship Building: The Human Element

In-person meetings are not only for difficult conversations. They are also essential for strengthening professional bonds. Leaders should schedule face-to-face check-ins that have no formal agenda beyond asking, “What’s working for you, and what’s not?”

This unstructured time allows for trust-building, empathy, and vulnerability. The authors suggest four practices for productive dialogue:

• Be present: no distractions like phones or laptops.

• Be curious: ask genuine questions.

• Be vulnerable: avoid defensiveness.

• Be transparent: share your own perspective openly.

These practices transform relationships, making collaboration smoother and more authentic.

Balancing Digital Tools with Human Connection

While digital communication remains valuable for efficiency, leaders must not over-rely on it. Education is fundamentally a “people business,” and human connection cannot be outsourced to screens. Face-to-face meetings provide the flow, laughter, and depth of understanding that digital tools often lack.

Ultimately, intentional, in-person conversations are not just about solving problems; they affirm dignity, build trust, and foster collaboration. For school leaders, prioritizing face-to-face interactions in critical moments can transform both teacher effectiveness and school culture.

Citation: Vari, T.J., & Jones, J. (2025, August 15). How to Hold Intentional Conversations With Educators. Edutopia.

Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-to-hold-intentional-conversati...

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com