Communication – Page 3 – Happy Schools

The R Word – Report Writing Stress

May 5, 2022

It’s that time of year for all teachers where the blood pressure and workload are rising, assessments are being marked, the students are tiring by the minute and I really need to make a start on my….(gasp) REPORTS! Here are some things you might like to try as you write your reports this year so that you do not need the first week of holidays to recover: 1) Create (and stick to) a simple timetable for completion so that the workload is spread out over a few weeks and you are not leaving them ALL until the last minute and have to pull an all-nighter (not mentioning any names here but you know who you are). I write mine down…

Giving Engaging Feedback

April 21, 2022

Stevef

Communication

It often amazes me that people in the workplace are reluctant to give each other feedback. On the one hand, I understand that some people hold back on giving constructive feedback as they worry about how the other person will respond. But on the other hand, inaction leaves performance problems go unaddressed and build over time. Even when constructive feedback is given, it is not always done well. I find that people are not giving enough positive feedback either – due to either not appreciating the importance of recognition or getting stuck in unnecessary paperwork. Here are five keys you can use to get a better result from any feedback you give. The first is that feedback is always better…

Would You Rather Be “Right” Or “Happy”?

April 14, 2022

Stevef

Communication

In his book ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff’, author Richard Carlson notes that one of the most important questions you can ever ask yourself is, “Do I want to be ‘right’ – or do I want to be happy?” According to Carlson, many times the two are mutually exclusive! At times we can waste our time, energy and goodwill by endeavouring to prove we are right and almost as importantly, the other person is wrong. The need to always be right alienates people. It encourages them to be defensive and in turn requires us to continue to assert and defend our position. Whilst some aspects of education are clear cut, many are not. People by their very nature have their…

To CC or Not to CC: Managing Email in Schools

March 10, 2022

Stevef

Communication

Email was intended to be a fantastic means of easy, two way communication. However, it has inherent weaknesses that need to be considered, especially in schools. One of the key benefits of email SHOULD be that the messages are there waiting for you when YOU have time to look at them. Email was intended to reduce the number interruptions into your day eg phone calls, intercom, visitors to your door with notes etc. To attain this benefit, email alerts need to be switched off or the arrival of an email WILL interrupt you. Be aware that email is addictive. Most users check their email numerous times each day. This distracts their focus (even briefly) from the activity they are currently…

Mastering the Art of Active Listening

September 16, 2021

Stevef

Communication

According to Stephen Covey, being a good listener is the fastest way to build trust. Often in schools we are so busy, that we don’t really listen. Mastering these active listening skills can build trust and make our lives easier. Be fully present – Give the other person your full attention. If you have found your attention wandering off, come straight back to your speaker. Listen with your intellect, mind and heart and remain respectful at all times. Most of all, avoid the temptation to think about your response in advance. Avoid jumping to conclusions and making assumptions – Learn to listen ‘cleanly’. This means actively seeking to understand the other person’s point of view without adding your own judgments…

Reaching Out To Parents

September 9, 2021

Stevef

Communication

Some parents can be time consuming and add to our stress. In most schools, five percent of parents consume 95 percent of your time. However, reaching out to have them onboard can make our lives easier. Try these proactive approaches. Avoid Doing Battle Logging and taking notes on parent phone calls is a good practice in case you need to recall the details of a conversation (or if one took place). If parents get overly angry, emotional or offensive, I end the conversation quickly but diplomatically: “I hear you’re upset but I no longer feel comfortable speaking with you on the phone. We should meet face to face, but with an administrator also present.” I then report to my line…

Writing E-mail That Saves Time (part 2)

April 29, 2021

Stevef

Communication

Last week we identified key strategies in reducing the stress created by email messages. Key strategies included using FYI in the subject line if the email is purely for information only and Response Required by DD/MM if a response is required by a certain deadline. Adding and adhering to these protocols is also important. Send separate messages When asking unrelated questions, use multiple e-mail messages. This makes it easier for others to reply to each question separately. This is an important point, but one many people get wrong – because it’s so easy to be lazy and put everything in the same message. Write better e-mail Use the spell-checker in your e-mail program to catch and correct simple spelling…

Writing E-mail That Saves Time (part 1)

April 22, 2021

Stevef

Communication

E-mail is one of the oldest Internet technologies but it still causes a lot of stress and annoyance among users. Part of this is undoubtedly because of the volume of e-mail we all deal with, but a large part is also because it’s so easy to write e-mail that’s confusing, easily misunderstood or even (unintentionally) upsetting. With a few simple techniques, you can help your colleagues be more productive when processing your e-mail. This is not just about being thoughtful and considerate of others – although that alone is reason enough. It also helps your own productivity because your e-mails will be clearer and easier to understand, so other people won’t have to keep writing back asking for more information.…

It’s Not About You, It’s About Them

March 18, 2021

Stevef

Communication

One of the many challenges we face in schools is dealing with difficult parents. You won’t be surprised to read that some parents’ expectations are unrealistic, their viewpoint one-sided and their outlook delusional. At times, some parents can come across as aggressive, over-protective and even downright obnoxious. Whilst I am not forgiving that behaviour for one moment, it is worthwhile considering what has contributed to their behaviour. One of the contributing factors to being at the sharp end of such poor behaviour is the business we are in. Whilst our purpose in schools is education, we are in fact in the ‘people’ business. Day-in, day-out we work with people. People from all walks of life. People with a range of…

Suggestions For Improving Parent-Teacher Conferences

February 25, 2021

Stevef

Communication

Parent-Teacher conferences are an important opportunity for two-way communication. They are not merely a stage for teachers to give parents information on classroom performance, although many teachers do just that. They are also an opportunity for parents to understand and develop trust in their child’s teacher. Parent-Teacher conferences are NOT just about results. If a parent leaves a conference with a list of grades and nothing else, it’s wasted time. Conferences are also a place for parents to tell teachers things about their child: How the student likes to learn. What they says about the class at home. How they enjoys spending free time. What motivates and interests them. Parent-Teacher conferences are a key strategy in establishing a partnership with…