Dealing with Difficult Parents: Using a Circle of Influence Instead of a Circle of Authority

One of the most challenging tasks for a school leader is dealing with difficult parents. But most times parents do not set out to be difficult, well at least 95% do not. Most parents who have to have an encounter with a school leader about a situation involving their student are not looking for a pass for their child. They are simply wanting to advocate for their child's success. School leaders are charged with making many difficult decisions throughout the day, and their role is oftentimes categorized as managerial being more work focused rather than people-focused. Leaders of any organization, including a school, are expected to "get things done". Leaders with a managerial mindset ultimate goal are to do things right, and they tend to follow the rules no matter the situation. They are not very flexible or people-centered, and they operate using a circle of authority. If leaders want to be effective in creating a positive culture of collaboration with the parents of their students, they must use a culture of influence that focuses more on doing the right thing rather than doing things right. This book provides practical tools and strategies for assisting highly effective leaders in creating a circle of influence when dealing with difficult parents.