Which type of communication do you feel most confident with?
I think I would feel most confident with collaborative communication. I can really relate with the aspect of working with others to formulate new ideas. I really enjoy listening to ideas that colleagues have and work with them about the best practices to use when integrating the ideas. As a literacy coach, I know that I would have to help lead teachers to more critical thinking. I feel my strength with this type of communication is the fact that I have some experience collaborating with teachers.
Which type of communication do you feel least confident with?
Delivering hard messages kind of scares me! At times, I find myself less confident with this. I consider myself a "people pleaser." I don't like conflict nor do I like to step on people's toes. They idea of sharing information that might not be very accepting to others really causes me anxiety. I think in order to gain the confidence in this area of communication, I first think I need to build trust with the staff. Building trusting relationships with the staff first I feel will allow them to be more open with the message I am trying to share.
Communication skills are very important when you are trying to build a collaborative, trusting school climate. You need to know your teachers and what type of communication is needed when working with them. Being effective in communication will allow for collaboration to be effective. If you are unable to communicate effectively then the climate that you need to build in the school will not be established.
Survey/On-line meeting:
I gave my staff until Thursday to complete the survey. I have class on Wednesday until 7. I would not be home closer to 8. I would prefer not Wednesday because it makes for a long day but if that is the only time then I can make it work. Other then that I am free around 5 on Thursday and Friday. Saturday I am free too.
Erin, I think you collaborate very well! The projects and/or discussions we've had in our shared classes demonstrate that. You actively listen, share ideas, and are always willing to work with others. I think you'll be wonderful working with teachers as a literacy coach. I think "delivering the hard message" just takes practice and reflection. I agree 100% that we have to build positive, trusting relationships before we can be successful with hard messages.
ReplyDeleteI feel as teachers we collaborate well! I feel you have to know how to do that to get along well in a school. I also struggle with the idea of delivering hard to hear news. I don't know you super well but I bet you'd be better at than you think. You seem so nice, so if you came to someone they'd probably take it pretty serious if you had to tell them something, since it's out of character for you to do that! I'm finding it so much easier to focus on the positive though. I've kind of blocked the conflict part out of my head when I eventually become a literacy coach. But It's important to reading and think about it. Unfortunately we will probably deal with that a lot.
ReplyDeleteErin, I totally understand avoiding confrontation. I guess the important thing is for us to learn how to deliver that hard message. Choosing words carefully, tone of voice, facial expressions, those are all important to remember when telling someone something that is not favorable. It is all about presentation!
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