One of the best ways to make sure your get the most productivity out of your staff is to hire the very best people you can find. Once you find those outstanding people, invest in them.
Most school superintendents and principals would agree that the physical equipment in their school system must be maintained. If they neglect this must do activity, it can get very expensive to repair that equipment. The successful organizations recognize this and budget for this activity accordingly.
The same goes for the people in your school system. The fact of the matter is that they are much more valuable than your equipment. Why? Because as you invest in them, they can become even more capable of performing in their position. This in turn can make your organization more successful and profitable. One way you can invest in your team is by taking the time to communicate with them more effectively.
Here are 7 things you can do to enhance your one-on-one communication process with them.
1. Stop finishing the other person’s sentences. Marshall Goldsmith reminds us that this approach does nothing to help your employees and managers think for themselves.
2. After a team member shares with you some great revelation they have discovered, don’t say “I knew that.” All that does it extinguish the flames of excitement for their learning process.
3. When others praise you, just say “Thank you”. Don’t deny or talk down or trade the compliment. By simply receiving the compliment, you give the person giving it, a chance to feel the power of giving something special.
4. Stop using the word “no”. Instead, give people options. They may not be able to do something a certain way, but usually there are other possibilities that could be considered.
5. Stop using the word “but” or “however”, and start using the word “and”. When you do this, it prevents you from negating what the person is saying and allows them to be more open minded to what you suggest instead.
6. Don’t allow yourself to “multi task” when you are communicating with another person. Keep your eyes on that person and not your computer or the paperwork in front of you.
7. Stop trying to impress your subordinates with how smart you are. Just because you are the boss does not mean you are always right, nor does it mean you have all the answers.
By taking the time to communicate in a more focused and proactive fashion with your staff, you will be creating the kind of work environment that is destined to improve both the productivity of you and your team.
Here is your assignment, should you decide to accept it. Pick 3 items from the seven suggestions listed above and use them for five days. Evaluate the results and decide for yourself whether or not they are worth using on a regular basis. I have a hunch you will be glad you did.
For more ideas on how Tom Borg Consulting LLC can assist your public school system develop its' staff,
and retain more students, call our office at 734-404-5909 or email us at: tomborg@tomborgconsulting.com
