Address “Whispers” to Prevent Full-Blown Issues

Rumors, negative talk on social media, and casual gossip are all examples of “whispers.” Turn these “whispers” to your advantage and prevent them from escalating with these strategies.

Practicing school principal and author of several books and articles, Michael Gaskell, discusses his approach to addressing whispers before they become “loud echoes.”

1. Promote transparency and open communication. Absent information, people will supply their own. Speculation leads to rumor and misinformation. Provide frequent and regular updates on goals and challenges--tell your story; control the narrative about your school. Gather input and feedback, especially after a challenging situation has occurred.
2. Address issues early and directly. When you catch wind of a rumor, address it. Gaskell advises, “organize informal discussions to address concerns, clarify misunderstandings, and explore possible solutions.”
3. Model the kind of conversations you want people to have. “Whispers often emerge from a place of frustration, confusion, and assumptions,” notes Gaskell. Take the lead in modeling how to speak openly and professionally about issues and challenges. Cy Wakeman would coach us to ask “What would great look like right now?” Invite staff to provide responses grounded in best practice. Leverage these as solutions.
4. Foster a culture of trust. Be present throughout the building--you catch wind of much of the scuttle when you’re visible. Be available and approachable. Practice what you preach in terms of your values, mission, and vision.
5. Create space for feedback. Gaskell explains people need a safe space to express feelings of frustration or dissatisfaction. He suggests creating structured opportunities for people to share feedback so that negative emotions don’t build up to merge into a negative undercurrent in your building.
6. Amplify positive whispers! In your “visibility tours” throughout the building, you will likely encounter whispers of celebration, of positive impact. Foster this positive chatter through recognition.

Gaskell advises, “The whispers that echo in a school can either tear it down or build up its culture. This matters… By promoting transparency, addressing issues directly, fostering trust, and modeling constructive communication, we can guide our school community away from rumor-driven negativity and toward a culture of positive dialogue and growth.”

Read the full article here.