Interactive Handbook On

“Connecting With Your School Team”

This handbook covers:

1. Introduction
2. Connecting By Leading The Vision Of The School
3. Connecting Through Walkthroughs/ Observations
4. Connecting By Acting As The Under-cover School Leader
5. Connecting By Managing and Processing Information
6. Connecting Through Team/ Staff Meetings
7. Connecting By Holding A Townhall Meeting / Retreat
8. Importance of Connecting With Your Team
9. Conclusion

1. INTRODUCTION
The school setting can be likened to a kitchen environment where the chef represents the school owner or leader, the
tools characterizing the staff (both academic and admin), and the ingredients denoting the learning and administrative
resources.
Just as the chef needs to manage and lead their team in the kitchen space to create delicious and high-quality dishes,
you as the school leader need to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve, and you need to work with
your team to achieve it. You also should to be able to motivate your staff and provide them with the necessary tools and
resources to succeed.

2. CONNECTING BY LEADING THE VISION OF THE SCHOOL

The school leader is responsible for leading and managing the staff to create a positive and effective learning
environment for students. Just like a chef, they need to have a clear vision of what they want to achieve, and they need

Connecting With Your Team Handbook

to work with their staff to achieve it. They need to be able to motivate their staff and provide them with the necessary
tools and resources to succeed.
As the chef in the kitchen needs to ensure that his team have access to the right ingredients, such as fresh produce,
quality meats, and other cooking materials; and to ensure that these ingredients are used effectively in the kitchen to
create delicious dishes, so also you (as the school leader) need to confirm that your staff have access to the right
resources, such as textbooks, technology, and other relevant materials. You should guarantee that these materials are
used effectively in the classroom or in the office space to help students learn and to ensure daily smooth interactions
between the stakeholders of the school.
• Take a closer look at your school organogram chart.
• Does it reflect the vision of your setting?
• Have the lines of communication worked for you so far?
• Do you really need all the positions on the cart?
• Do you need to add more positions?
• Can your budget accommodate the size of your workforce?
• When last did you carry out an appraisal of everyone on the chart?
• What changes would make to turn appraisals into an effective management tool?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
• What are essential roles you handle at your setting? List them.
• Which ones fall under Essential or Non-essential roles?
• How many hours do you spend on these roles, per day at school?
• Do you find some of these roles overwhelming?
• Have you made effort to train some of your colleagues or subordinates to carry out the non-essential roles?

Connecting With Your Team Handbook

 • Have you considered picking a goal (non-academic) with your staff/ team that everyone gets to achieve
together?
• Have you tried finding out from fellow school owners, heads of school, or departmental heads of repute, on how
they run a typical day or week at their school?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As a school leader, connecting with your team is crucial for building a positive and productive work environment. Here
are some practical ways that you can use to effectively connect with your team:

1. Communication: Communication is key when it comes to building strong relationships with your team members. As
a school leader, you need to communicate regularly with your team members. This can be done through regular
meetings, emails, or even phone calls. Make sure that you are open and transparent in your communication and
encourage your team members to do the same.

2. Active Listening: Listening is an essential skill that every school leader must possess. When you actively listen to your
team members, you show them that you value their opinions and ideas. This can help to build trust and respect between
you and your team members.

3. Collaboration: Collaboration is another effective way to connect with your team members. Encourage your team
members to work together on projects and assignments. This not only helps to build stronger relationships but also
promotes creativity and innovation.

Connecting With Your Team Handbook

4. Recognition: Recognizing the efforts and achievements of your team members is crucial for building morale and
motivation. Take the time to acknowledge the hard work of your team members and celebrate their successes.

5. Professional Development: Providing opportunities for professional development is another effective way to connect
with your team members. Show them that you are invested in their growth and development by providing training and
development opportunities.

6. Empathy: Empathy is critical for connecting with your team members. As a school leader, you need to understand
the challenges and struggles that your team members may be facing. Show them that you care by offering support and
understanding.

3. CONNECTING THROUGH WALKTHROUGHS

• How large is your ‘Kitchen’?
• How frequent can you walk about your ‘Kitchen’?
• How much time can you commit to each walk?
• Which section/ team of your ‘Kitchen’ are you likely to see during your walks?
• What would you like to talk about with team members you visit during the walks?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. CONNECTING BY ACTING AS THE UNDER-COVER SCHOOL LEADER

Connecting With Your Team Handbook
This is clearly depicted in the video clip from the Under-cover Principal.
It is very easy to get out of touch with what really goes on in your ‘Kitchen’, so it is a great idea to take one day in a year
to go back to the floor and do the lowest job. You may want to do this often instead of once.
• As a school leader, in what ways can you help reduce the stress level that your team go through every week?
• You should identify those what those stresses are in the first place, and agree on the best way forward with your
team.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As you walk back to your Kitchen Floor, you may want to consider the following questions:
• Which area in your ‘Kitchen’ needs more attention?
• Which section of the ‘Kitchen’ do you need to have a better understanding of?
• Are you conversant with the ways your best hands (teachers or non-teaching staff) operate which positively
influences the growth of your setting?

No two classrooms are the same, because the educators and the children in them are unique. Their needs may differ,
and so you may not expect every class to require the same funding. For example: Teacher A has two special needs
students, while Teacher B has none. The teaching resources that TA will need to meet the needs of her peculiar students
will be different and may cost more.
Here is a Financial Management advice for you: You may adopt the advice of training your staff on how to plan a budget
for the each school year, then break them down per term. Get the budgets signed by the staff and approved by the
immediate management.

5. CONNECTING BY MANAGING AND PROCESSING INFORMATION

Connecting With Your Team Handbook

It can be formal or informal. It is important to know that whatever you tell your managers or Head of School, they
should pass down accurately to others. This is based on the hierarchy in existence at your setting.
• Do you have an effective line of communication at your setting?
• In what different ways do you communicate with your team?
• How do you find out if the messages were well received and understood?
• Do you keep a record of messages sent out?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. CONNECTING THROUGH TEAM/ STAFF MEETINGS

Team meetings should take place at least once a week. Everybody at every level should hold a team meeting with their
team. Each meeting should be SHORT! Have you ever attended a 15-minute meeting before?
At your staff meeting, as contained in your school policy, do occasionally let your staff know you will appreciate an
official notification to resign as stated in the staff policy handbook. Looking at the length of service (a minimum of five
years is considerable) an appraisal reports, reward your outgoing staff. If the outgoing staff is starting a new school
(and you have been duly informed about it) you may even choose to visit the new place (together with few member of
your PTF) and pray for the business to prosper. You may record the visit for reference purposes.
• How many teams exist in your ‘Kitchen’?
• Where can your teams likely meet?
• In what form will the team meetings be?
• As the chef, how will you get feedback from ALL team meetings?
• Is your school having issues with how teachers speak or write?
• Please note that whatever your teachers /staff expose your students to in the school, is what will become your
selling point or marketing tool to their parents and other prospective families.

Connecting With Your Team Handbook

 • You may secure the services of a consultant or pay (as added allowance) a staff that has this skill to train
everyone.
• You need to fix any anomaly to avoid your school to suffer the consequences.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. CONNECTING BY HOLDING A TOWNHALL MEETING / RETREAT

Once a year the boss should address all the ‘’flock’ altogether. It could be best to do so in August/ September or in
December/January. Whenever it best suits your setting. This makes everyone feel part of a big team.
• When did you meet your entire team?
• What do you share as you address the troops?
• What else takes place during the annual address?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Quite a number of schools do run into problems when suddenly a teacher resigns or absconds duty. As a result, classes
are either merged or a new candidate is quickly hired to avoid controversies with parents. To solve this problem, you
turn your school into a Professional Learning Community scheduling periodic trainings for everyone. Also ensure you
hire staff that have adequate teaching qualifications irrespective of the position they apply for. When you have
temporary need of a classroom teacher, it will be easy for you to choose and appoint someone to fill the vacant post. Do

Connecting With Your Team Handbook

make available necessary teaching resources to support such newly appointed teacher, or better strategically employ
support staff that may readily fill the gap for you.

8. IMPORTANCE OF CONNECTING WITH YOUR TEAM

• Connecting increases your influence in every situation: When your staff visit you at the office, treat them as
your clients. Stand up to greet them and offer them a seat. Listen attentively to what they have to say. Call them
often privately and ask them questions on their job. Lead by example by being the person of your word.
• Connecting is all about others: You cannot make your staff feel important in your presence if you scarcely feel
that she/ he is a ‘Nobody’. Give your staff maximum support. Let them take ownership and shine in their
respective roles. Their light will soon turn your ‘Kitchen’ into a bright city of learning and innovation.
• Connecting goes beyond words: Be the leader that ‘walks the talk’. Model new ways of doing things and
gradually withdraw as they get a firm grip of the skill. Come back to check for consistency and compliance.
• Connecting always requires energy: The school leader’s job is quite demanding. Do ensure you exercise
regularly and eat well. Ensure you observe rest when you sense your body requires so. Lead with energy and
power. Electrify their skill and encourage them to go all out for the goal.
• Connecting is more a skill than a natural talent: Learning never ends. As a school leader you must keep
learning, unlearning and relearning. Make sure you a diary of ideas and thoughts that flows through your
mind. Find a time to ruminate on those ideas and design a path to make them realistic. It’s not going to be
easy; it’s going to be worth it eventually.

9. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, both a school leader and a chef have similar duties in managing their staff and using learning materials
or ingredients effectively. As a school leader/owner, you need to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve with
your team, motivate your staff, and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed.
Connecting with your team members requires effort, time, and commitment. By using these practical strategies, you
can effectively connect with your team members and build a positive and productive work environment.

Connecting With Your Team Handbook

So go rearrange your kitchen and cook that sumptuous meal that your clients will always order for.
The Connected Team Always Win!
He who communicates, leads! (anonymous)

All About Us
We Deliver World-Class Service...

Our Vision
To be a dominant and incomparable point of reference for educational solutions, while molding mind-sets towards the right way of
thinking; We will develop and deliver a customized partnership package to engage, equip, and inspire our classified clients to take their
service delivery to another level. This transformative programme will include interactive exercises; practical examples and real-time
coaching in a fun yet focused interactive approach.
The Educator Mindset Consult
11, Michael Udoh Street, Elesekan,
Lekki-Epe Express Way, Lagos.
+23480 389 50017
theeducatormindsetconsult@gmail.com
SCHOOLS THAT HAVE SUCCESSFULLY ENJOYED OUR SERVICES

Itain Bell School, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.
Ikija Day School, Surulere, Lagos.
Smallville School, Omole, Phase 1, Ikeja, Lagos.
Proper Child Montessori Place, Isolo, Lagos.
Chessington Montessori School, Agege, Lagos.
Oakcrest Montessori School, Rumuagholu, PH.
Mater-Dei School, Satellite Town, Lagos
Top Scholars School, Awoyaya, Lekki, Lagos.
Rochester Schools, Satellite Town, Lagos.
Jesus Saves School, Uyo.
Hollyhocks School, Abule-egba, Lagos.
Dukeland International School, Idimu, Lagos.
Glowfield Int’l School, Chevron, Lekki.
Nayville School, Benin, and counting.

Connecting With Your Team Handbook