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Hello MLacy: I think sometime we get caught up in the edu-babble to impress the audience with our knowledge of what is new in education. One of the key things I have learned in speaking to a large audience is to be sincere and speak from the heart. Relating to one’s own personal experience often triggers interest in your audience. The boring part comes when you are experiencing a sit and get. i.e. “talking head”

As I’m sure you are aware adminstrators are under a microscope. Everything they do and say is judged and unfortunately there are some people who approach things negatively and only look for faults. So while administrators are supposed to have thick skins many of the people they deal with have thin ones. So if an administrator truly always said what they felt in every situation they would probably make a lot of enemies. That being said there are times when you do have to speak directly and honestly to parents and staff. It’s about choosing your battles. Answering your question more directly, yes administrators are probably too politically correct but we should always strive to come across as genuinely as possible as I think staff appreciate that. You can’t please everyone so as long as what you’re doing is being done for what you perceive are the right reasons you should be able to sleep well at night.

This discussion is very interesting and though I agree that sometimes the higher up people get, the less inspiring they are—I do believe there are exceptions to the rule. I find that if you are truly passionate about your purpose, it will come through in the way you speak. Your tone is key and if you truly believe in something, it will inspire people and they will not think of you as boring. Look at Barrack Obama. The way he presents himself is passionate, yet at the same time diplomatic. I believe it is important for administrators to choose their words carefully while believing in those words. Being passionate can often lead to some blunders along the way. I see this as risk taking and believe it is part of being a good leader. Though we are under the microscope, as Anthony stated, I believe that as leaders we need to stand out and speak up. Too often, people become afraid of stepping out of the box and taking a risk by speaking out! I look forward to hearing Dr. Chris Spence, our new Director of Education for the TDSB address our Board. His new book is called Leading with Passion and Purpose. I hope to hear the passion in his voice as he articulates our Moral Purpose!

I agree with what Shelly says about speaking from the heart. Inspiration is important. Fullan talks about communication with those that are not educators and keeping communications”Not too strong” or “Not too smart” Keep it simple and you will be successful.

Hi Mark,

One of many regrets I have as a former school leader was that I failed to take a major risk. As I reflect on the past there were times that I was too cautious—-attempting to survey the underlying feelings of staff and community. It was a huge mistake.

Niagara

A very, very good friend of mine recently became a secondary school principal. She is not my principal but one day could be. We have had a very honest chat about how our friendship must be somewhat guarded. Everything she says and does is exactly as Anthony says – ‘under a microscope’. As she is in her first year she feels that she must have a strong separation between her professional and personal life. She is always on guard and often quoted – or misquoted. I feel for her and wonder how I will/would do in this position. My biggest struggle is towing the party line yet I know how language can be so minconstrued. However, as a teacher I too tire of the ‘edu-babble’ (good word Shelley!). It would be nice to hear things straight up every now and then. I think it would encourage a more trusting relationship between administrators and staff and I firmly believe that it would create a more relaxed and positive working environment.

No matter the communication, messages can be subject to different interpretations. It is important to understand how your communication style is interpreted by others to avoid miscommunication and misunderstandings. I don’t believe it is the intent of administrators to come out with “programmed answers”, however, their comments are under such close scrutiny. I know that we have provided sessions on communication strategies for principals and senior administration and also on how to deal with the press. The bottom line is always ensure proper planning. I think this is how some come across as “insincere” or “unnatural” because they have “planned” so well what they are going to say. It comes across as rehearsed. However, an off-the-cuff remark can cause a lot of problems – ie. Obama and his reference to Special Olympics on late night TV. (I could never be a politician)

Obviously, some speakers are better than others. We have all heard those who are truly passionate about their work. They speak straight from the heart and are able to engage those around them. We all know how important good communication skills are – something to strive for!

Let’s face it, a good leader is easy to listen to and also easily trusted. The principal that is presently at my school is well liked by parents and teachers alike. He delivers messages in a clear and concise manner. Whether it is an awards assembly, SCC meeting or a PLC meeting, he has wrtten notes detailing what he wants to communicate. He rarely stumbles his words and often pauses for clarification. His message to teachers is clear, speak to parents in no-nonsence terms and keep them informed (whether good or bad). He follows this policy with the teachers as well. When he comes on the PA we listen. As we plan his retirement, it is easy to see that he has been respected for his calm and rational manner for many years. (I will definately be writing down this speech).

During my PQP courses, one of my colleagues shared a handout entitled, “How to Stay Awake in Teacher In-services. It is meant to provide comic relief but really, it is a statement on the prevalence of educational jargon that administrators and workshop facilitators seem to use these days during teacher inservices. It is set up like a bingo card, with words and phrases to be “checked off” when you hear someone use them (I must admit, I find it quite funny myself although I can’t put into print what you yell out instead of BINGO). This has made me personally more cognizant of my communication because I agree, it is very tiring to continually hear guarded speech and educational statements. Like Helen suggests, I think it is crucial to remain passionate and inspired yourself. Although an element of self awareness is necessary, it is also important to know and gauge your audience. Sometimes I personally feel like a performer but if I can capture my audience then perhaps I won’t fall into the trap of (as Mark suggests) boring and providing programmed answers.

Continually fine tuning your own personal communication skills remains important. Yes, there is need to be cautious at times in what you are communicating but the delivery of your message is often just as, if not more important then the message itself.

I am also tired of administrator talk. Sometimes I just wish educators could put things into simpler, more direct terms. As teachers we are taught to teach the students by keeping them engaged and speaking to them in ways that are relevant to their lives. However, when administrators and board personnel talk to teachers it’s rarely done as anything other than “talking at” them.

I think it is important for teachers and parents to be able to trust you as an administrator and I think that comes from your actions and your words. If you are honest and put forward that you have the students best interests at heart, I think it’s hard for people to find fault. I’m often blunt with parents about their child’s successes and any issues. They may not love it but they know I am looking out for their child’s future well-being.

I think as I move into administration, I will have to watch what I say more because I will be “under a microscope” but I hope to always be as honest as I can be and to keep my focus on what needs to be said to help student’s be therir best.

Thank you everyone for taking part in the discussion. Although there was an acknowledgement of the guarded, edubabble speech we often hear, there was also the recognition that many leaders continue to speak clearly and inspire us with their words. Part of that can be their sharing of personal experiences that trigger interest.

A major theme was to speak from your heart, with moral purpose, and with careful planning. We can be passionate and diplomatic.

We all seem very aware of leaders being under the microscope, and the necessity of choosing one’s battles, and yet Frank speaks of times he regrets being too cautious. I know my own tendency is to be outspoken, so I’ll try to be sure I know my audience before I become too forthright. Good luck to all in being true to their hearts and in inspiring others.