I enjoy communicating with others and I rather enjoy getting to know people. Just as I like getting to know people I also like to share information about myself as well. My excitement over verbal exchanges can at times make feel as I should be the sole communicator, and I have to stop myself from talking and begin to actively listen to my partner. Being a good communicator for me is a work in progress as I tend to share the first thought that comes to mind—as an administrator of a pre-school program that doesn’t bode well. I do have to bite my tongue often, but I have found that has helped me grow tremendously as a communicator.
As I continue to grow in my role as an administrator, I am growing more mindful and reflective, but I have a long way to go in building my communication skills. I have watched some fantastic communicators over the last few years, picking up skills along the way and one individual stands out for me as being the most effective. I still remember the incident that I observed that sealed the deal for me. It was my first day as the director of my current program and one of the staff was being written up. Although I did not play a role, I was privy to this disciplinary meeting. The staff member was weaving quite a tale trying to defend her actions, while also trying to turn the tables blaming the organization for her current problems. She was very rude and disrespectful. My then supervisor did not miss a beat; she firmly repeated back everything the employee said, asking “Is that what I understood you to say?” The employee nodded and my supervisor continued reaffirming her position and the policy as it was stated in the employee guidelines. Even through the rudeness and negative remarks being made, my supervisor kept her eyes on the employee, leaning her body in and keeping her focus on what needed to be said while still hearing and processing what was being said. Her voice was firm and confident. I was impressed and I remember thinking, “Oh my gosh, I am never going to be able to do that”. My stomach was in knots.
When situations arise, I try to remember the cool, composed manner in which my supervisor delivered some unpleasant news, not for a minute wavering but keeping focus on the program and the manner in which she was going to solve the problem.
Hi Georgia,
ReplyDeleteNice to connect with you as this is our first course together!
Already I am enjoying this course because the topic of communication plays such an important role in our every day lives. Thanks for sharing honestly about your journey in learning how to be a better communicator. How valuable that you have had some great communicators you have been able to observe and learn from. Being able to recognize these valuable people is so important as I feel communication is something I want to continue growing in all my life. If we stop to think about how much communication has shifted even over the past five to ten years, it's amazing to think about. Now we have options like texting, emailing, face-time, skype, apps that translate into different languages, etc. Who knows what the next five or ten years will bring. Communication is an ever evolving adventure!
Hi Georgia,
ReplyDeleteIt is great to be part of this course with you. I have to agree that communication is always going to be a work in progress. I think there is always room to become a better communicator. I like the person you chose to write about. I think it is so important to repeat back what is said for confirmation. I have been in many situations where I had to do confront people and I hate it. People just need to remember that listening is also part of communicating.
Hi Gerogia-
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to getting to know you in this course! I think your example of the disciplinary meeting is a great example of active listening and the ability to remain focused on the issue at hand. I am struggling to master that skill as a supervisor as we speak! Thank you for sharing.
Katherine