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In Basket Exercise

This document outlines guidelines for an "In-Basket Exercise" activity that is intended to provide school leaders with a positive way to get assistance on administrative problems from colleagues. The activity involves a leader presenting an administrative problem they are facing and asking for input. Group members then clarify the situation, brainstorm alternatives, and provide individual responses to the leader's question. The goal is positive problem solving rather than agreement, with the leader making the final decision while gaining different perspectives to consider.

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993 views1 page

In Basket Exercise

This document outlines guidelines for an "In-Basket Exercise" activity that is intended to provide school leaders with a positive way to get assistance on administrative problems from colleagues. The activity involves a leader presenting an administrative problem they are facing and asking for input. Group members then clarify the situation, brainstorm alternatives, and provide individual responses to the leader's question. The goal is positive problem solving rather than agreement, with the leader making the final decision while gaining different perspectives to consider.

Uploaded by

ishaan1589
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

"In-Basket" Exercise

ACTIVITY:
A group of colleagues listens to a leader describe an administrative problem which an individual has
recently experienced or is presently facing. After describing the situation, the leader asks a particular
question or questions on which s/he wants assistance. The leader who is presenting the in-basket
problem may want some discussion on one or more alternatives for the purpose of understanding the
rationales. The presenting leader closes the discussion by thanking the group.
GOAL:
To provide a positive, non-threatening source of assistance for school leaders regarding administrative
problems.
GUIDELINES:
. The decision to present an in-basket problem belongs to the individual principal.
!. The description of the problem should include the essential elements of the situation" those
elements which would need to be considered for possible solutions.
#. The description is closed with a question or questions. A more focused request for assistance will
likely bring forth helpful ideas.
$. The group response is in three parts%
&a' ask clarifying questions to ensure an adequate description of the problem
&b' brainstorm a wide range of alternatives
&c' individuals present their individual response to the question &optional'
(. The discussion should focus on positive and creative problem solving. The group should capitali)e
on the differences rather than trying to get agreement on every point.
*. The purpose of the exercise is not to prove one approach is +best.+ ,t is important that group
members feel they are properly treated even though they have different views.
-. .ltimately, the leader faced with the problem needs to make the decision. This forum may cause
school leaders to%
&' consider more alternatives
&!' understand the rationale of various approaches
&#' consider the probable outcomes of each possible choice
&$' feel good about the final decision
/. ,t is appropriate to update colleagues on progress regarding an in-basket item, if the leader
chooses to do so at a later session of the collegial group.
0ource% ,12A 3rincipals4 ,nservice 3rogram, adapted by 5. 6olflesh, 3h.1., 6olflesh 7 Associates,
ncolflesh8aol.com

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