Communication+Tips

= Communication Tips =

'The art of communication is the language of leadership.' James Hunes

**Encourage Feedback**
 * Both positive and negative (critical) feedback.
 * Welcome disagreeements on issues and work issues through.
 * Identify areas for feedback to improve and assist with change in the school.
 * Welcome silence.
 * Watch for non-verbal cues (eye contact, body language).
 * Schedule regular feedback sessions with staff and key stakeholders.

**Listen Effectively**
 * Prepare to listen - put aside materials that may distract.
 * Listen for ideas, not just for facts 'Bring solutions, not just problems.' (Unknown).
 * Keep an open mind regardless of subject or delivery of the speaker being boring or uninteresting. If a listener is judgmental they may only hear certain parts of the message, or just hear what they want.
 * Capitalise on the speed differential - listeners listen faster than speakers speak, therefore use the time differential to summarise and internalise the message.

**Reduce Communication Misunderstanding** ﻿ <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">**Communication With Key Personal**
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Consider the message in relation to context, therefore know your audience and speak in words that they understand - Don't 'dumb it down', use a common language.
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Communicate often with key personal - staff, students, parents

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For more information click the link 'Communication and Leadership' by Dr John A. Kline. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Additional tips can be found at: 'Leadership Communication is the Number One Leadership Skill' by Martin Soorjoo.