In Leadership Connectors Hensley and Burnmeiser addressed some key developmental characteristics that great leaders possess in order to develop successful relationship in schools. Two characteristics that were addressed in the first two chapters were communication and support.
Good communication is the pivotal factor in a leader's ability to connect/build relationships with others. It is also stated that when good communication occurs other "connectors" have the ability to flourish, and without good communication other connectors have little chance of succeeding. It seem obvious that communication would be the most important factor in establishing the culture and relationships at a school site yet this is a component that is often times overlooked. Hensley and Burnmeiser provides numerous examples of great communication, such as emails, newsletters, notes, etc. It is also addressed that communication is any form of contact-oral, written and nonverbal.
Nonverbal communication is definitely an area that I need to work on! I have a million things running through my mind that often times I am distracted and not fully engaged on the speaker. Oops! Sorry!
Support is also a crucial component in establishing relationships in schools. All members of the school site seek constantly seek support-financial, material, emotional, physical or moral. Support is an area that helps a school transcend beyond "work place" to a more family-oriented, nurturing environment.
I am truly fortunate to work at a school site where these two characteristics exist- not just on an administrative level but at every level (teachers, students, parents/community). :)
Yes, you are so fortunate to work at a site where there is consistent and effective communication and thou are supported. I have been fortunate to have those key characteristeristcs at my site as well....from what I understand, it's nat that way everywhere- so we shall consider ourselves lucky!
ReplyDelete