"...everything you say and do shapes people's opinions and feelings about you"
"...good communication is consistently recognized in schools as a key success factor."
"sharing information well is a high priority in school culture."
These quotes from Leadership Connectors by Phyllis Ann Hensley and LaVern Burmeister are cause to really consider how leaders at our schools communicate and to look very hard at my own communication style. As I read the chapter assigned on the first of six "connectors" I caught myself reflecting back on how my own "philosophy" or beliefs about appropriate ways to communicate have changed with professional and life experiences. I have grown to truly believe that looking for body language when someone is talking and that really listening to what they say before responding is essential in giving respect and developing rapport with colleagues, parents, and students.
Taking time to look and listen before speaking gives me time to process and determine if I understand what is being said or if I have the information I need to give the answers needed. I have often times found myself letting my exuberance for my passion cause me to respond too quickly and come across as if I am defensive. Taking the time to look and really listen helps me not to do this.
As I read this chapter my thoughts also turned to all of the ways we communicate electronically: email, text messaging, blog posts, and facebook comments. It seems to me hat sometimes these electronic ways of communicating can give false readings on intent because it isn't always easy to know what emotion is behind them. Are they joking? Are they mad? Are they annoyed? Clarification before responding makes the best sense whether communicating I person or electronically!
Great response, Marci! Body language speaks volumnes. It's so hard to tell if a person is joking or being sarcastic in an email or text. I agree with you, it's so important to take time to listen to others!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. Reading leadership connectors has made me reflect on how I communicate with my family,coworkers and students. Do I walk the talk? It is so important as a leader and a parent to do what you say because your children and your staff are watching you!
ReplyDeleteMarci,
ReplyDeleteI also have to watch my body language because I can quickly become defensive. I like how you comment about emails not having body language or emotion so it can be difficult to tell if the sender is joking around. I recently received an email from a teacher about a new dress code policy and at first I thought he was joking... luckily I didn't respond until after I realized he was being serious. Leaders must take care to analyze everything they are saying in all forms of communication they are using. Hope all is well...
~Pat~