Episode 74: Pause to Ponder - Care & Candor

Welcome to the Counter Narrative Podcast, a show designed to change the way we talk, and think, about education. By sharing stories of successes and triumphs, we aim to challenge the dominant narrative that often negatively portrays our disenfranchised populations.

I’m your host, Charles Williams. An urban educator for more than 15 years, a current school principal in Chicago, an educational consultant, an equity advocate, and the co-host of Inside The Principal’s Office.

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This episode is a pause to ponder segment. These biweekly sessions will allow me to share with you my personal thoughts and reflections on a wide spectrum of topics as they relate to education. It is my hope that you will be able to take something from these segments and apply it in a meaningful way as you continue to do amazing work. Remember, while we all have different roles, we all have a single job, educating our students.

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I decided to go in a different direction this week and record a pure episode meaning no script ... no planning ... no ... well ... anything. I sat down and recorded this episode the night before it was due to air. And to be honest, as uncomfortable as the experience was, I feel that my thoughts were not filtered through my writing voice but instead reflected my speaking voice. But I guess you will be the judge of that.

This episode focused on a concept that I recently heard while listening to John C. Maxwell about engaging in challenging conversations. He talked about the need to have both care and candor and that the absence of either will not lead to positive outcomes. This hit home as I have found myself questioning why those within my organization are seemingly avoiding difficult conversations and what we can do to shift those practices. 

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