As a school leader, you wear many hats—administrator, educator, counsellor, but most important to your role are the relationships you have with all those around you. Often, the time you spend fostering connections with teachers and the wider school community far exceeds what you initially anticipate. Yet, you know it’s not just another task on your to-do list; it’s the cornerstone of your role. So why is relationship management so important and what strategies can you use to cultivate and maintain relationships with teachers and parents at your school?
Relationship management: the key to effective leadership
School leaders don’t just manage the school, they are the linchpins of the whole school community. Your ability to manage relationships with teachers and parents directly impacts the school’s culture, effectiveness, and ultimately, student success. From mediating conflicts to celebrating achievements, relationship management permeates every aspect of the job.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that effective relationship management requires time and effort. It’s not something that can be delegated or rushed through. Building trust, fostering collaboration, and addressing concerns require genuine engagement and consistent communication.
The importance of relationship management
A school environment that promotes effective teaching and learning is underpinned by great relationships and it’s up to school leaders to set the tone for how staff will interact within the school. When relationships are at the forefront, you’ll often see:
Supportive environment: When school leaders put effort into relationships, others around them will too. This environment promotes open communication, trust, and empathy, which are essential for addressing concerns and fostering a positive school culture. In a supportive environment, everyone feels valued and respected. Add strong relationships with parents into the mix and everyone will feel more confident that students are getting the best support they can be.
Greater collaboration: When school colleagues are working well together, problems are solved quicker, knowledge is shared and morale is lifted. Collaboration with parents also benefits student learning. Increased communication between parents and teachers ensures both parties have an understanding of how the child is and what supports they need.
Student success: Research consistently demonstrates that parental involvement positively impacts student achievement. By building strong relationships with parents, school leaders can encourage their active participation in their child’s education, leading to improved academic performance and overall well-being. Plus, a positive school environment in which teachers feel supported leads to happier teachers, and happy teachers are the best thing for student learning!
Strategies for relationship management
Get to know staff on a personal and professional level: Take the time to build rapport with your teachers beyond just work. Show genuine interest in their interests, hobbies, and aspirations outside of the classroom. Understanding their personal lives can foster deeper connections and mutual respect.
Understand what drives them personally and professionally: Each teacher has unique motivations and goals. Take the initiative to understand what drives them personally and professionally. Whether it’s a passion for a particular subject, a desire to make a difference in students’ lives, or aspirations for career advancement, knowing their motivations can help tailor support and opportunities to their needs.
Be visible and available: Make yourself visible and approachable to teachers and parents by regularly walking the halls, attending faculty meetings, and participating in school events. Create an open-door policy where teachers and parents feel comfortable approaching you with concerns, ideas, or feedback. Being accessible demonstrates your commitment to supporting their needs and fosters a culture of transparency and collaboration.
Encourage staff to form relationships with each other: Foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among your staff by encouraging them to form relationships with each other. Provide opportunities for collaboration, such as team-teaching assignments, cross-departmental projects, or informal social gatherings. Strong relationships among colleagues can enhance morale, boost productivity, and create a supportive work environment.
Listen: Actively listen to your teachers’ concerns, ideas, and feedback without judgement. Create regular opportunities for one-on-one conversations where teachers feel heard and valued. Pay attention to non-verbal cues and empathise with their experiences. Effective listening builds trust, strengthens relationships, and fosters a culture of open communication and mutual respect.
Keep parents in mind: It makes sense that a lot of your time will be spent with teachers, staff and students, but with so many great benefits stemming from positive parent relationships, it’s important to prioritise them too. Let parents know how they can contact you, but also make an effort to get out and chat to parents. When you know parents you get to better understand their children and this can lead to even better educational outcomes.
Relationship management is not just a component of a school leader’s job—it’s the foundation on which a thriving school community is built. By prioritising strong relationships with teachers and parents, school leaders can create an inclusive, supportive environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. Remember, investing time and effort in building and maintaining relationships is not just another task; it’s a responsibility that yields invaluable rewards for the entire school community.
