In which types of communication am I most confident?
Critical Communication. I'm actually a little surprised at my answer to this question. Before I started reading, I assumed I would be most confident with collaborative communication. I feel that my strengths are in not just what I say, but how it is said. I work hard at choosing my words carefully and I know that how I say something to one teacher will not work with another. Learned that one the hard way. :) I do believe that I am ethical and capable of delivering the "hard message" when necessary and doing so without tearing down someone's self-esteem.
In which types of communication am I least confident?
Collaborative Communication. It's not that I don't collaborate at all, but I think I have a lot of work ahead of me. Two statements in L&T stood out for me. On page 89 the authors write that "through collaborative communication they move toward creating and producing." Page 91 reminded me to use "we" instead of "I" as much as possible. I do not practice this enough. At times I feel like I'm chasing my tail. In communicating collaboratively I need to build in time for reflection at the end of my work day. This worries me a bit for my coaching cycle. Will I collaborate effectively with Nicole?
When I looked at the How Ready Am I and How Ready is My School forms, I started to focus on teacher communication at my school. They communicate, yes, but is it true conversations of importance or just general chatter. My staff do not have the opportunity to spend time planning, collaborating, or deeply communicating with each other. I really believe how they and I communicate with each other has to change in order for us to be successful.
Surveys/Online Meeting
My surveys are complete so I can move onto the planning stage. I'm open to meeting times. I'm available after 645 every night this week (Wednesday is open after 3). Saturday is completely open.
Dr. Beach.....How would you like our surveys submitted? Summary of findings or a copy of questions?
Julie,
ReplyDeleteLearning to deliver a message can be pretty difficult, something that I am very much learning how to do. I think you are right, you definitely have to choose your words carefully, and remember that not everyone can be approached the same way.
When I was filling out our school forms, I began to realize the our school lacks in the area of communicating collaboratively. I feel like the school layout can sometimes hinder communication among different groups of individuals and because of our school layout, this didn't surprise me. I think it is definitely something that my school staff could improve on. I often feel that educators are so bogged down with a million other things on their plate, that they often feel like "I don't have time for that," not realizing that their colleagues can actually help one another.
You are so right! Just on my desk alone I've got a stack of teacher evaluations, collection letters to parents, two curriculum binders, and a catalog for new dress code ideas. All needing my attention this week. And they are bogged down with daily needs, and items I drop in their laps. That's the feeling I got, too. That we need to work on better communication here at school.
DeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jacqueline and you that you must choose your words carefully when delivering messages. I think that realizing that first is the first step to be aware of how you are communicating with others. In order to be effective, you do need to find time for reflection. Who would have know! I don't often think that I need to reflect but I liked the idea of keeping a journal to track through the year so that you can see your growth. I think that you will be communicate effectively with Nicole!
Erin, I love the idea of rereading your journal to evaluate how you've grown over the year. Coaching is definitely not easy! I think it's going to be hard work, but very rewarding.
DeleteAs a daycare director I bet you communicate critical more that you think, but you are so sweet people probably don't take it as critical. If that makes sense. None the less it's an uncomfortable part of teaching/leading. When I taught, it was the most anxiety producing part of my job, delivering critical info to parents, administration, or peers. I remember thinking if I wasn't in the classroom I wouldn't have to deal with critical communication all the time, but as I get older I realize it's in every aspect of life. The solution comes when you figure out how to do it effectively without upsetting a majority. haha
ReplyDeleteJulie, Organize your survey results in a way that makes sense to you in determining the needs of your population so you can plan the program. That may be by question or as a summary.
ReplyDelete