Summary: Just a few days ago I was presenting to principals in Wichita, Kansas. <br> I was a little nervous because I had been having trouble with my voice from some bronchitis in my lungs. The doctor had given me some meds to combat the congestion, and my voice was returning. At the same time, I was reminded what a gift it can be to communicate with words.<br> Have you ever thought about how much communication affects your work as a school leader? I once heard someone say that communication is 100% of a principal’s job. At first I wasn’t sure if I agreed. But when I began to think about how much a school leader is involved in planning, conversation, counseling or sharing, I had to agree that every part of his or her job includes some form of communication.<br> This week’s podcast is an edited version of a recent webinar presentation over the power of communication as well as three stories I share on the importance of teamwork. The webinar series is a book study from my first book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Principal-Matters-Updated-Expanded-Motivation/dp/154540058X/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&%2AVersion%2A=1&%2Aentries%2A=0" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Principal Matters: The Motivation, Courage, Action and Teamwork Needed for Principals</a>. <br> Part 1 – 10 Tips for School Leaders in Communication<br> The first part of the conversation includes tips on enhancing your communication with some digital tools. Here are ten ways you can enhance communication with your students, teachers, or community members:<br> 1. Using group emails for parents<br><br> 2. Enhancing daily announcements<br><br> 3. Power of newsletters<br><br> 4. Updating your website<br><br> 5. Emails for teachers<br><br> 6. Why you must be visible<br><br> 7. Awarding students<br><br> 8. Hosting celebrations<br><br> 9. Advocating and networking<br><br> 10. Sharing and posting current calendars<br> Plus, I show some samples of various digital tools I use including Powtoons, Biteable, Mailchimp, Blogging, MovieMaker, Remind, and Social Media tools. See the <a href="https://www.ccosa.org/vimeo.com/245958893" rel="noopener" target="_blank">video</a> or <a href="https://www.ccosa.org/useruploads/files/week_7-_chapters_19-22.pdf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">slides</a> for examples.<br> Part 2 – Lessons from a Crosswalk Guard<br> When my son and daughter were younger, they walked from our house to the elementary school they attended. Every day they passed Mr. Charlie, the crossing guard at the end of our street. They loved his funny sense of humor. One day he wasn’t at his post, and the kids froze on the sidewalk – all lining up unsure how to cross without Mr. Charlie. <br> Finally, a kindergartener said, “Hey, who’s the oldest?”<br><br> “I am,” said a fifth grader.<br><br> “Then you cross first,” said the little one, “And we’ll follow you.”<br><br> So on the count of three, all the kids ran across the street yelling, “We’re going to die!” <br> It made for a great story that night at our dinner table. Thankfully, the next day Mr. Charlie was back at his post, and my kids were so glad to see him.<br> As I think about the power one adult plays in the lives of students each day, here are three lessons from Mr. Charlie:<br> 1. Remember the power of small things like punctuality, smiling, and being prepared. Students notice and it makes a big difference in the outlook and culture.<br> 2. Assure every student and member of your team that he or she is valued. My children not only loved Mr. Charlie because he kept them safe, but also, he talked to each one and treated them with special attention. How are we doing that for our team members?<br> 3. If you want strong culture, you must build relationships. Rigor, relevance, and relationship are the R’s for any effective instruction, but relationship trumps them all. Does each person on your team play such a strong role that he o...
