OCTOBER 2008

In the Age of High Definition..
Leaders Use All Channels!
by Bob Carter

Do you, like me, sometimes feel dismayed, because the message you thought you had communicated was not heard or was misunderstood? If so, read on to learn strategies to strengthen your communication skills.

Language is an important part of leadership. Most leaders spend 70% of their time communicating. An effective leader speaks in simple, yet powerful, language so that everyone, including the least sophisticated member of their organization, can understand. Effective communication utilizes three channels to convey the intended message. They are as follows:

  • Factual – data and interpretation of what it means
  • Emotional – stories to connect how you are feeling to how constituents are feeling
  • Symbolic – ceremonies, logos, and metaphors

Using all three channels at the appropriate time and in the appropriate way increases the chance of the communication getting through and being understood.

Symbolic language enhances effectiveness by adding clarity and giving deeper meaning beyond basic words or phrases. It fuses emotion and logic into a shortcut that is easily seen and understood. Symbolic language is useful in moving people to action by inspiring, motivating and establishing expectations!

Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” and Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream!” speech both illustrate masterful use of symbolic language. A school related example of the effective use of symbolic language involves a principal who asked staff to consider revising the campus motto even though it was a source of pride and had been driving decision-making for years. After hearing his reasoning, the staff agreed and changed it from “Children First ... Now and Always!” to “Learners First … Now and Always!” By changing the focus from “Children” to “Learners,” they created a powerful metaphor of the school as a learning organization with different rules, roles, and relationships. As a result, they made sure learning happened at every level of the school with students as learners, parents as learners, staff as learners and leaders, and the principal as the learning leader.

I challenge each of you to examine your use of symbolic language as you lead your organization. How are you inspiring and motivating others through your use of symbolic language? Is this an area you would like to target for improvement? If so, may I suggest that you attend one of our training seminars or work with one of our coaches. Visit our website http://www.coachingforresultsglobal.com/ to learn more about Coaching School Results and the services we offer.

Bob Carter spent 35 years in education as a successful teacher and campus administrator. He has spent the last five years as a leadership coach. To learn more about Bob, visit Coaching School Results, and click on Coaches.

*Leaders can learn more about the coaching process and extend skills to implement coaching by attending one of our upcoming seminars. See details below.

 

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES


See us at the NSDC Conference
December 6 - 10!

We'll be presenting at the NSDC conference in Washington DC, December 6-10.

Pre-Conference Session PC 316
“Coaching Boot Camp: Leadership Coaching for High Performance” (December 6-7)

“The Gift of Coaching” offered as a session each day of the conference (December 8-10). Check your conference planner and register early!



When we want the best health, we seek a doctor; when we want the most inspired learning, we find the masterful teacher; when we desire peak performance, we seek a gifted coach.

Give yourself the gift of coaching from a committed trained Coach who serves to support your confidential goals and dreams. Imagine the possibilities ... a goal made clear, a plan evolved, a tough situation offering multiple solutions. Coaching School Results, Inc. has the most dedicated and prepared coaches to serve you for whatever time you can commit. Give yourself the gift of coaching for a month, six months or a year. You will be amazed by the return on your investment in YOU!


DON'T MISS OUR UPCOMING SEMINARS!

Strategies for Powerful Leading, Level I

June 1-4, 2009 in Wichita, Kansas

What makes great leaders? How do they intentionally act to transform relationships, dramatically impact school cultures and significantly increase student performance?

It’s all About the Conversations!This seminar is designed for district and school leaders who are committed to engaging in conversations that lead to transformational changes.

Essential components of this highly successful seminar include:

  • Principles of effective leadership
  • Leadership language that produces reflective practice and increased performance
  • Effective leadership behaviors of committed listening, paraphrasing and positive presuppositions
  • Feedback that empowers, encourages and effectively communicates

Experience for yourself the power of this transformation learning experience. It’s a must have for all leaders who are serious about creating a collaborative culture focused on high performance.

Wichita, Kansas– June 1-4, 2009 ($649)
Follow-up teleclass August, 2009 ($50 per person)
Co-hosted by KSDC

Register Now at our website: coachingforresultsglobal.com
Click on "Register"

Services to Support Your District or School

CONTACT
COACHING SCHOOL RESULTS, INC.

FOR SPECIAL TRAINING FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION OR DISTRICT.

ESPECIALLY DESIGNED TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES, COMMUNICATION SKILLS OR COACHING SKILLS.

Let us help you design your best experience ever for your leaders and staff! Remarkable references available!

Contact Information:
Vicky Dearing, Business Manager
2258 Magic Mantle
Lewisville, TX 75056
Cell: 214.493.2503
Email: vicky@coachingforresultsglobal.com


NOTABLE QUOTES

For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips speak only words of kindness!
- Audrey Hepburn

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214-493-2503