Effective communication requires skill, much like hitting a baseball. Just as batters adjust to pitchers’ deliveries and velocity, in communication, we must adjust to others’ varying abilities to absorb information. Recognizing and adapting to these differences is key to successful communication for school leaders. School stakeholders play a crucial role in ensuring information is effectively conveyed, which fosters healthy relationships within a school, which are essential characteristics of a flourishing school environment.
In James 1:19, we are reminded: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” How often do we fall short in one of these areas? Is it because we are defensive by nature? Does our pride get in our way?
How can a school leader apply these directives to ensure effective communication processes? Several strategies, including those from ACSI’s Leadership U program, are simple to implement and have been proven successful.
Communication of a School Leader:
- Students Come First: Each student’s well-being should be your primary concern. Parents are trusting you to take care of their children. Simon Jeynes, Executive Director of Christian School Management, appropriately stated, “If we aren’t careful, schools can become adult-centered and not student-centered.”
- Avoid Assumptions: Don’t expect that others understand what you are trying to communicate; take the approach that there is limited or no prior knowledge.
- Communication Oversight: Designate a creative and detail-oriented individual to oversee outgoing correspondence. The information must be current and relevant.
- Transparency and Wisdom: “Communicate with empathy both good as well as bad news.” (1) Exercising discretion is needed. False narratives will be eliminated by being as transparent as possible. With sensitive cases, seek legal counsel before releasing information.
- Constructive Criticism: View as an opportunity for growth. We should be open to constructive criticism and understand that we are to be held accountable. 2024 Baseball Hall of Fame Manager inductee Jim Leyland said, “If you are afraid of what you will have to answer after the game, you’ll never be a good manager.” If you are afraid of what you will have to answer from stakeholders, you’ll never be an effective leader.
Communicating with Faculty/Staff
- Create Understanding: “Building rapport with the members of your staff is essential for building healthy relationships.” (2) One approach to alleviating possible stress among your staff is to meet on their turf.
- Maintain Professionalism: Your actions must be conducted with the highest degree of professionalism. “Acknowledge success openly. Criticisms should be addressed directly and conducted in privacy.” (3)
Firsthand experience (mistake) by a rookie teacher. My initial principal modeled how to reprimand respectfully. Following numerous classroom disruptions, I calmly informed a student he would be sent outside, literally outside since it was a school with pods and no hallways, if he did not change his behavior. With no noticeable change, I said, “Out!” At that moment, a sheepish grin crossed the young boy’s face. He saw something that I didn’t—it was raining; actually, it was drizzling. Anyhow, he went outside.
Later, the father and son appeared at my principal’s office. The principal invited me into a meeting with the parent and during the meeting, this wise administrator listened attentively, did not interrupt, and then thanked the father for voicing his concern. As I began to leave, feeling vindicated, the principal said, “Not so fast, sit down,” as he closed the door. He proceeded to point out the folly in my actions while offering wise advice. “You have to back up what you say,” he uttered, “but, in the future, be smart enough to see if it is raining!”
Communicating with Parents:
- Parent Preferences: Most parents are busy working, transporting children to various activities, assisting with homework, and do not have time to read lengthy correspondence. Conduct a brief survey to better understand how they prefer to receive information. Regarding newsletters, more information is not always best.
- Be Clear and Straightforward: Don’t assume people understand what you mean in your communication; clarity is vital. Be sensitive to all parties. After drafting a response, set it aside for a few hours or overnight and revisit it. Check for accuracy, spelling, and especially the tone. If you sense an immediate response is needed, simply acknowledge you received the message and that you need time to respond appropriately; consider offering an expectant time. This practice serves as an example of being “slow to speak and slow to anger.”
- Maintain a Well-Monitored Website: Communicate the value of your school to your stakeholders as well as to prospective families. Emphasize how the total child will develop from the experience at your school.
Communicating in Person:
- Active Listening: Proverbs 18:13 is an excellent reminder when in a meeting, “to answer before listening … that is folly.” Listen to hear! How many times have you gone into a meeting with someone or a group of individuals and already had the answer to the issue at hand? That is “folly.” Discipline yourself to listen and then respond thoughtfully. Confirm understanding by saying, “Here is what I heard you say. Is that correct?” (4)
- Non-Verbal Communication: Maintain eye contact and positive body language. Avoid distractions that might convey your lack of interest.
- You Are Responsible for Your Actions: Remain calm and respectful. “Difficult conversations with adults will occur. Don’t become defensive—breathe and count to 10.” (5) Avoid misinterpretation and stay clear of responding with “I understand” when you know you are not in agreement. “I hear you” is a much better and more honest response.
- End on a Positive Note: Conclude with a positive statement to demonstrate you are taking their comments seriously. Remember, an honest, straightforward response validates the school’s reputation and your leadership.
As previously mentioned, there will be meetings that are not pleasant and most likely won’t end well. When that occurs, remember these truths: you share a common faith in Jesus Christ, a mutual concern for their child’s well-being, and it’s fine to disagree.
Notes
1.) “Effective Communications.” Educational Leaders, n.d.
2.) “Effective Communications.” Educational Leaders, n.d.
3.) “Effective Communications.” Educational Leader, n.d.
4.) “Effective Communications.” Educational Leaders, n.d.
5.) “Effective Communications.” Educational Leaders, n.d.
References
Bolsinger, Tod. Canoeing the Mountains: Leadership in Unchartered Territory, IVP Books,2015.
Northhouse, Peter Guy. Leadership Theory and Practice, Thousand Oaks, CA. Sage Publications, Inc., 2004.
About the Author:
Tom Hughes currently serves ACSI as a Field Director in the Eastern Division and as a mentor in Leadership U. With extensive experience as a school administrator, he served as a head of school for 14 years. Mentoring emerging Christian school leaders is his passion. Tom holds a M.Ed. in Administration & Supervision from the University of Memphis.