At my school we don’t have a big cultural gap. We have a few male teachers, we have a few Mormon teachers and some catholics, lutherans, and mostly while female teachers. That makes up the diversity of my colleagues at my school. I do visit and get along with them all. I love my staff and feel that we have a good relationship in our school. There is a sense of community. I don’t really think I communicate any differently, we are very open with each other and I might use different vocabulary, and ask different questions but essentially they are my work family and I love that. We go to others family functions like, weddings and graduations.I would say there is mutual trust and respect amongst us.
Three strategies that I could use to help me be a more effective communicator would be to first look at things from their perspective. In order to understand where the person is coming from you need to be open to what they are saying.
The second thing is to not make assumptions. You have no idea where people come from or what people are thinking or feeling. Listen to what they have to say. If you don’t listen, you could be judging them with out any idea what they were talking about.
The third thing is become consciously aware of peoples nonverbal communication and what there actions are saying instead of just their words. Nonverbal actions sometimes so way more then what people are saying.
You have some really good strategies. I am really enjoyed reading your blog this week. It often seems like we communicate with our family and friends more freely because we are comfortable with them.
ReplyDeleteYour blog post is chock full of good advice, making assumptions and snap judgements is a sure way to alienate others and listening is more important than taking turns talking especially when you are trying to listen to things that are not actually said.
ReplyDeleteRachel,
ReplyDeleteAnother great posting! As I have told you in the past, I really enjoy reading your postings week to week as I truly relate to your words, insights, and experiences. The three strategies you listed are on point. I think it is critical to become more conscious of our own actions and the beliefs, feelings, and actions of others in order to effectively communicate. We need to get out of our own way to be successful. Great job! :)
Ashley Richards
Rachael,
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that you and your colleagues have such a great relationship. I think that it can be difficult for everyone to get along so well. Also your three strategies are great. They are very useful to use in everyday life.
Great post!