Leadership Connectors: Communication

      Although I am just beginning to read our assigned course text, Leadership Connectors: Six Keys to Developing Relationships in Schools, I am finding the book to be an easy and applicable read. Chapter 1: "Leadership Connector, Communication" has been especially interesting, as I am now put into a leadership/ administrative role as our school's Resource Teacher with GIS duties. A significant portion of the staff at my site are close teacher friends of mine, and so the porton of the chapter that discusses the teacher that moves into administration and how old friends begin to edit what they say, and as a new administrator, edit what is said to teacher friends was very important for me to take in (I must have read it three times over). It is very important to me, that although I am in an administrative position now, to let my friends know that I still value them and will continue to support their expertise and friendship, even if I am bound to confidentiality.
     As an administrator at a new school facility, I find great importance in believing in our school's vision and feel that communicating my expectations for the staff , believing in them, and trusting that they will meet the expections has proven successful thus far.  Our school opened its doors just 3 weeks ago, and because of positive and effective communication from the leadership team and our ability to listen to the needs and expectations, to openly discuss our shared vision, our beliefs, and begin to establish our school culture together our teachers and staff have been able to pull-off the opening of a new school smoothly and effortlessly. So smooth, in fact, that the administrative team, the teachers, staff, and parents have all noticed that the from the first day of school we've operated like we had all been there for years. I believe it was the open communication amoungst the staff that allowed this amazing start to the school year to occur.
    I belive in the power of positive thinking! I know that if you dream it and believe in it; great things will happen. Of course, this doesn't mean it will happen magically - there are goals to put into place, and steps to reach those goals. The section that discusses a positive tone of respect and "holding tight to a positive belief will develop roots and branches." At our school, without a doubt, the seeds have been planted and are already sprouting - - great things are going to happen at Clovis Unified's newest elementary school! It is part of my job to keep positive communication  and reinforcement going. I find that I am becoming our staffs biggest cheerleader and they are responding to it!
     Listening is a skill that must be practiced before achieving perfection. When I hear someone complaining, my first instinct is to help them solve their problem, and I certainly can if need be. However, I must remember that often times, a staff member or parent, just wants to be heard. "A hopeful administrator is likely to fram the situation as an opportunity, a challenge to be persued...." I know how great I feel when I've overcome an obstacle, so it's my goal to guide my staff to do the same. Not that I'm not willing to help them, because I have told them time and time again, that my job is to make their job a bit easier, but to I need to involve them in active participants in solving a problem or issue. In this way, a sense of ownership and pride will become established and will result in continued professional and personal growth.
    I am fortunate, in that I have a great mentor, my principal who demonstrates daily amazing communication skills with the students, staff, parents, and community. I have much to learn, and am fortunate to have such a great role model to guide me as we establish our school's foundation building upon it trust, value, and high expectations.