How to Give Honest, Helpful References Without Burning Bridges

Dr. Chris Dennis discusses how educators and administrators should handle reference checks with honesty and integrity. He advises sharing areas for growth in an asset-based, actionable way that supports the candidate and helps hiring teams make informed decisions.

The episode covers formal and informal references, the importance of face-to-face feedback when possible, and the responsibility of referees to communicate candidly while preserving opportunities for a fresh start.