What’s your process for handling tough parent conversations? In this episode, Shauna Streich, Case Manager, Disability Benefits Plan, The Manitoba Teachers’ Society. explains why principals need a clear, collaborative approach. She talks about how principals can turn high-stress interactions into opportunities for trust and partnership. She emphasizes the importance of having a clear process for conversations at both the school and division levels, so teachers, principals, and even superintendents know when to step in, how to respond, and how to keep the dialogue constructive.

We discuss how to bring a restorative perspective to parent communication. Shauna reminds us that parents call because they care deeply about their children, and principals can build connection by starting with that common ground. She explains why self-reflection is critical — checking your own emotions and stress levels before entering a conversation — and why setting healthy boundaries helps protect both staff and leaders. Most importantly, our conversation underscores the shift from “listening to respond” to “listening to understand,” a mindset that breaks down defensiveness, reduces shame, and allows parents to share what’s really going on.

What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff

Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca

#Education #Leadership #SchoolLeadership #EdLeaders #MentalHealth#RestorativePractices#restorativejustice#traumainformedpractice#emotionalintelligenceinschools#PrincipalWellbeing #TeacherWellbeing #RestorativeLeadership #mentalhealth#EducationalLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #StaffSupport#PreventBurnout #LeadWithCare #FlattenTheHierarchy #BuildingTrust #ResilientLeadership#ListenToUnderstand #BuildingTrust #LeadWithCare #HealthySchools #StrongerTogether

What if more mental health claims from staff was actually good news? In this episode, our return guest is Shauna Streich, Case Manager, Disability Benefits Plan, The Manitoba Teachers’ Society. She explains the interim results of a project she’s been working on which shows how shorter sick leaves reveal that educators are finally seeking help earlier—because they feel safer to speak up. Drawing on Amy Edmondson’s research on psychological safety, she shows how open reporting and honest conversations make teams stronger rather than weaker. At the same time, Shauna emphasizes that recognition is at the heart of staff well-being. Educators at every level—from custodians to EAs to teachers and principals—don’t want token gestures or pizza lunches. They want to be truly seen for the hard, messy work they do every day, whether that’s managing a difficult student or navigating a tough parent conversation. This episode connects the dots between psychological safety, recognition, and relational leadership practices that reduce stress leaves for teachers AND principals. What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff

Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca

#Education #Leadership #SchoolLeadership #EdLeaders #MentalHealth#RestorativePractices#restorativejustice#traumainformedpractice#emotionalintelligenceinschools#PrincipalWellbeing #TeacherWellbeing #RestorativeLeadership #EducationalLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #StaffSupport#PreventBurnout #LeadWithCare #FlattenTheHierarchy #BuildingTrust #ResilientLeadership

Did you know that many stress leave claims in schools trace back to the relationship between principals and staff? In this episode recorded earlier this year, our guest is Shauna Streich, Case Manager, Disability Benefits Plan, The Manitoba Teachers’ Society. She shares insights from a Manitoba project that tackled the root causes of rising stress leave claims and mental health challenges in schools. The findings were clear: many claims stem from the principal–teacher relationship, highlighting the urgent need for training and support in adult-to-adult dynamics.

Shauna explains how survey data on loneliness, burnout, and psychological safety challenged principals’ perceptions — and why these tough conversations are necessary. She introduced practical frameworks showing how principals can flatten hierarchies, improve communication, and build trust with staff. If you’re a principal, vice-principal, or education leader, this episode offers powerful tools to reduce stress leave, strengthen relationships, and create healthier schools. Be sure to catch our next episode where Shauna Streich reports back on some of the interim findings.

What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff

Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca

#Education #Leadership #SchoolLeadership #EdLeaders #MentalHealth#RestorativePractices#restorativejustice#traumainformedpractice#emotionalintelligenceinschools#PrincipalWellbeing #TeacherWellbeing #RestorativeLeadership #EducationalLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #StaffSupport#PreventBurnout #LeadWithCare #FlattenTheHierarchy #BuildingTrust #ResilientLeadership