Effective Communication

Effective Communication

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Ed. Admin. Foundations and Frameworks

We all know effective communication plays an important role to school leaders in order to manage and lead schools effectively. Researchers state that effective communication is a must in developing and maintaining positive school culture. We now know through various school leadership programs and standards the importance of effective communication in order to be an effective school leader.

What is Effective Communication?

Effective communication is defined as a process by which we assign and convey meaning in an attempt to create shared understanding. Effective communication is the articulation of sending a message, through different media whether it be verbal or nonverbal so long as a being transmits a thought provoking idea, gesture, action, etc. Effective communication can be defined as the process of meaningful interaction among living beings. It is the act of passing information and the process by which meanings are exchanged so as to produce understanding. Communication is the process by which any message is given or received through talking, writing or making gestures. Effective communication occurs if the receiver understands the exact information or idea that the sender intends to transmit. Effective communication is not just only words one to transfer factual information to others, but also to other “messages” that are sent and received.

The Communication Process

A. Thought: First, information exists in the mind of the sender. This can be a concept, idea, information, or feeling.

B. Encoding: Next, a message is sent to a receiver in words, or other symbols.

C. Decoding: Lastly, the receiver translates the words or symbols into a concept or information that he or she can understand.

Two processes will be received by the receiver: content and context. Content is the actual words or symbols of the message which is known as language. Language is the spoken and written words combined into phrases that make grammatical and semantic sense. Context is the way the message is delivered and is known as paralanguage it includes the tone of voice, the look in the sender’s eye’s, body language, hand-gestures, and state of emotions that can be detected.

Active Listening

Active listening requires one to be able to hear and listen. Hearing is the act of perceiving sound. Listening involves the reception and the interpretation of aural stimuli. It involves decoding the sound into meaning. Listening is divided into two main categories: passive and active. Passive listening occurs when the receiver or the message has little motivation to listen carefully. Active listening involves listening with a purpose. Traits of an active listener are: 1. Spend more time listening than talking. 2. Do not finish the sentence of others. 3. Do not answer questions with questions. 4. Never daydream or be preoccupied when their own talks when others are talking. 5. Let the other speaker talk. Do not dominate the conversation.

Building Trust with Communication

Research into communication indicates that building trust is a key component of communication as a school leader. Creating a school culture that will promote academic success of all students cause school leaders to develop and nurture a relationship of trust, respect, fairness, and dignity among all stakeholders. The ISLLC standards also address the importance of creating a positive school culture focusing on student achievement and on the staff. According to Christine, there are five components to building trust which are: benevolence, reliability, competence, honesty, and openness. Building trust is the key to effective communication. Success of the school and students will depend on the relationships, both internal and external, among the stakeholders. A plan of trust is needed in order to be effective in communication. The plan states: 1. Share what the staff can expect from you and what you expect from them. 2. Reach a consensus on what good communication is and what the limits are. Model what you expect. 3. Show the staff that you care by listening to them and showing them that you are human. 4. Get to know your staff as individuals and their families and show them that you care. 5. Be visible and accessible to staff members. 6. Treat staff members with respect and recognize their strengths. 7. Spend time in the classrooms show that you care about the students and instruction. 8. Listen and