Hey Reader,

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend that served you well. Last week I focused a lot on school leaders creating a clear and effective planning process and shared my five step planning process on Instagram Live. It’s one thing to have a purposeful plan for impact, but if the plan is not communicated in an effective way, it will create tensions that will push you further away from your goal.

Effective communication of leaders seems to be one of the biggest barriers for school leaders these days.

And let’s be real, Reader, in most leadership programs communication is not a subject of study. Once you are in the role, your district and superintendent don’t prioritize professional development in this critical area. Communication, or lack thereof, can make or break school culture and have a negative impact on student achievement. Therefore, effective communication is not just a skill; it’s a fundamental element that shapes the culture of a school.

During my tenure as a school leader I have had my fair share of difficult transitions, difficult conversations, and moments of immense joy that impacted many people in so many different ways. It is through those difficult transitions, difficult conversations, and moments of immense joy that I have learned that with communication it’s important to think about what you communicate, when you communicate, where you communicate, why you communicate, and how you communicate.

Here are 5 norms that have helped me along the way:

1. Transparent Transparency: Transparency builds trust. When it comes to decision-making processes, strive to be transparent with your staff. Share the reasoning behind decisions, the factors considered, and the outcomes anticipated. This transparency cultivates a sense of ownership and understanding within the school community.
2. Active Listening: Communication is a two-way street. Actively listen to your staff, students, and families concerns, suggestions, and feedback. Create opportunities for open dialogue through regular meetings, forums, or even suggestion boxes. When your community feels heard, they are more engaged and invested in the collective goals of the school.
3. Clarity in Expectations: Ambiguity breeds confusion and frustration. Clearly communicate expectations regarding roles, responsibilities, and performance standards. Provide clear guidelines for tasks and projects, ensuring everyone knows what is expected of them. This clarity minimizes misunderstandings and promotes accountability.
4. Timely and Consistent Updates: Keep your staff informed about relevant developments, initiatives, and events in a timely manner. Whether it's through newsletters, emails, or staff meetings, establish a consistent communication schedule. This ensures everyone is on the same page and reduces the likelihood of information gaps or rumors. Keyword - reduce
5. Respectful Tone and Language: Communication sets the tone for interactions within the school community. Choose your words carefully, ensuring they reflect respect and professionalism. Foster an environment where all voices are valued, and disagreements are handled constructively. By modeling respectful communication, you set the standard for positive interaction among staff members and students.

Communication norms are needed for everyone, not just school leaders, to help create a community of trust and collaboration. This is how communities thrive.

If this is an area that you want to grow in as a leader, my March calendar is open for free clarity sessions. Book your call now.

Reader, here's to a week filled with effective communication and meaningful connections!

Janique

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