John Dabell

Sep 13, 2023 | blog.optimus-education.com | John Dabell |Sarah C. Hopp

Having a ‘fierce conversation’ doesn't necessarily entail conflict or aggression but rather implies engaging in candid, passionate and impactful discussions. School leaders, who often face challenging and passionate conversations, must learn how to navigate these tough discussions effectively. What does having a fierce conversation mean to you? Does this sound like a powwow that is intense and simmering with conflict? Is it a testy tête-à-tête and one word away from fisticuffs?

Jun 13, 2023 | icr.ac.uk | John Dabell

Image: John with his dog. Credit: John DabellThe first red flag telling me something was wrong was when my tongue started to swell. I soldiered on because I didn’t think there was anything sinister going on. That was a mistake. I started having difficulty eating and swallowing, but I put that down to my throat being sore. I was also extremely tired, but I had a young daughter at home and was busy being a primary school teacher. After about a month, things hadn’t improved.

May 17, 2023 | blog.optimus-education.com | Amy Hadden Marsh |John Dabell

Active listening is a fundamental skill that many adults struggle with. Amy Marsh discusses how genuine listening can transform classroom dynamics and empower students to engage constructively. I have previously written about the importance of identity, self-awareness, and culture. These all support creating a culture of inclusion and equity in schools, where relational trust can be built, and everybody feels valued and a sense of belonging.

May 11, 2023 | blog.optimus-education.com | John Dabell

By celebrating 'happy accidents', we can foster confidence and become better problem-solvers. John Dabell discusses a refreshing and positive view of errors to create a haven for all staff and students. Everyone makes mistakes. We all stuff up and being wrong is an inescapable part of being alive (Schultz, 2010). Human beings are natural mistake makers - to err is 90% human (Hallinan, 2010).

Apr 19, 2023 | blog.optimus-education.com | John Dabell |Sara Alston

Are you ready to be your authentic self and inspire those around you? Mel Greenwood highlights the importance of embracing our unique stories and advocating for diversity in the workplace. Who am I? What distinguishes me from the person next to me? What is my story? What makes me unique to my school? Am I celebrating my school's curriculum offering and community? We should ask ourselves questions like these daily.