Please enable javascript to view this page in its intended format.

Queen's University - Utility Bar

Queen's University
 

Being a critical friend
by Anita Griffore

Over thousands of miles
we've been
sending signals.

Did you get my message?
Were the questions useful
as you tackled the problems you were working on?

Your solution was required
for your problem.
Not mine.
I camouflaged my opinions
by selecting
just the right questions.
Which you never answered.

Your messages
detailed your progress
on dealing with the problem.
I gave up
the chameleon routine.
I felt better saying what I thought.

I learned that this is what
I need to do
when working on those action plans
and teacher evaluations.

Is this support
when I question
but make no statement of opinion?
Or is my help found in exposing
my personal beliefs
to be considered or ignored
in the construction
of the truth
in the community you are creating?

Will this work with others
who will expect that what I say is so?
When can I use this way
to be better
in my work with staff and when will it just interfere
with the confidence
each teacher needs to
construct a community that works?

Your critical friend,
Anita

Faculty of Education, Duncan McArthur Hall
Kingston, Ontario, Canada. K7M 5R7. 613.533.2000