Teachers are hesitant about feedback from leadership initiatives. How can you overcome their resistance?

1 Build Trust

Building trust is the cornerstone of overcoming resistance to feedback. As an educational leader, it's important to establish a rapport with your teachers, showing that you understand their challenges and are committed to supporting their growth. Trust is cultivated over time through consistent, open communication and by demonstrating that feedback is meant to empower, not criticize. When teachers feel valued and supported, they're more likely to be receptive to the insights leadership can provide.

2 Clarify Intent

Clarity of intent is essential when providing feedback. Teachers need to understand that the goal is to enhance their skills and student outcomes, not to undermine their expertise. Be explicit about the purpose of the feedback and how it aligns with broader educational goals. This transparency helps to dispel any misconceptions and demonstrates that leadership initiatives are designed with the best interests of both teachers and students in mind.

3 Foster Dialogue

Encouraging dialogue rather than a one-way dissemination of feedback is key to engagement. Invite teachers to share their perspectives and be active participants in the feedback process. This two-way communication fosters a sense of ownership and respect, making teachers more open to considering leadership's insights. When teachers contribute to the conversation, they are more likely to integrate feedback constructively into their practice.

4 Offer Support

Providing support is critical in making feedback actionable. Offer resources, professional development opportunities, and ongoing coaching to help teachers implement suggestions. When teachers see that leadership is invested in their success and willing to provide the necessary tools, they are more inclined to embrace feedback. Supportive measures reinforce the idea that feedback is a pathway to professional growth, not just an evaluation.

5 Model Reflection

Modeling reflection demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement at all levels of the educational hierarchy. When leaders openly reflect on their own practices and seek feedback, it sets a powerful example for teachers. It shows that everyone has room to grow and that feedback is a valuable tool for self-improvement. This shared experience can help reduce resistance by normalizing the process of reflection and feedback within the school culture.

6 Celebrate Progress

Celebrating progress is a powerful motivator for embracing feedback. Acknowledge improvements and successes that result from integrating feedback into teaching practices. Recognizing these achievements reinforces the positive impact of feedback and encourages a culture where constructive criticism is welcomed as an opportunity for advancement. When teachers see tangible benefits from feedback, they are more likely to view leadership initiatives as beneficial rather than burdensome.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?