The person that I know that exhibits competent communication is my principal. She is very knowledgeable, she has many years of experience and through my 3 years of teaching she has been able to give me mentoring, without making me feel incompetent.
The first thing I would say that she does well is, when she is listening to you she looks right at you. She validates the conversation by answering during the conversation. Secondly, the demeanor in which she communicates is respectful. She thinks deeply about the words she intends to use. There have been some situations in which I have had to communicate unfortunate news to a parent and it did not go well. She explained to me that no matter how disturbed or irritated I am with a parent or their child that I must always be empathetic, even if the parent tries to "engage" with me. Lastly, she has a relationship with each of her teachers. This aspect is important the person that you are communicating with must know that though you may be delivering some bad news, you are still being respectful.
No one is perfect but my principal is respected and I feel that she has communicated well with me over the years.
Alyssa,
ReplyDeleteI, too, worked for a principal much like yours. Isn't it nice to have mentor such as this? I feel it is rare often to find someone with such effective communication and in addition the 'empathy' quality. It was nice to read your input this week.
Hi Alyssa
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. It appears that your principal has wonderful skills that support your personal growth, therefore your student's well being.
Hi Alyssa,
ReplyDeleteI am glad you highlighted the need to be an good listener in order to be an effective communicator. I am excited to learn more about listening in the coming week. You did a great job of explaining the attributes that make your principal so effective. I feel like I know a skilled communicator when I see one, but it was hard for me to put those qualities in to words. I am thinking, as we learn more, that will become easier for me to do.
Alyssa,
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear that you have such a supportive principal! I also think being a good listener is just as important as being able to talking. I'm sure your principal is a great role model which probably shows throughout your school. What a create environment for teachers and families!!