Stand up & communicate!
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The document discusses the importance of effective communication in ministry and education, emphasizing that strong relationships require good communication skills. It highlights barriers to effective communication, the significance of active listening, and offers practical strategies for improving communication among early childhood educators, staff, and families. Additionally, it stresses the role of leaders in modeling effective communication and the importance of intentional, written correspondence to ensure clarity between home and school.
Stand up & communicate!
- 1. Drew D. Gerdes National Administrator’s Conference Lutheran Education Association February 2015
- 2. You are welcome to view this presentation and many more at: www.slideshare.net/dgerdes View This Presentation
- 3. Welcome! Who would like to lead this session? Why are we afraid of speaking?
- 4. We are involved in ministry. Ministry is about relationships. Relationships require communication. Reality Is…
- 5. Who Do We Communicate With? How we communicate with each of these groups varies. Individual Group There are various aspects of what and why we want or need to communicate to these groups or individuals.
- 6. Thankfully…!!! With intentional practice and utilization, you can become a better communicator! You can become a better listener! You can become more effective! Early Childhood Educators play a highly critical role in communicating with families…
- 7. Resources… Robert Bolton John Maxwell
- 8. Success/Failure/Stress According to Bolton, most people fail or experience stress at work simply because they don’t relate well with other people. Everyone benefits when people play well together. What can you do? According to Maxwell… SMILE!!! How can you add value to others? Just listen.
- 10. The Ultimate Communicator… Jesus often spent time with people…He built relationships with them…He listened to them…He added value to their lives…He forgave them! It isn’t always about being right and winning.
- 11. Communication Barriers Some barriers may occur in communication when one party has specific, strong needs. Be aware of: Judging Sending Solutions Avoiding Concerns
- 12. Judging: “That was a stupid thing to do.” “You don’t seem do get it.” Sending Solutions: “You should…” “If you would just…” Avoiding Concerns: “Well when that happened to me…” Altering the topic… Be Aware…
- 13. Listening Listening takes up more waking hours than anything else we do. The quality of our relationships depends in listening. Listening is much more than hearing.
- 14. Smile…Nod…Affirm…WATCH BODY LANGUAGE!!! “In the big scheme of life, does this really matter?” “Does this person really want me to act on something, or does she really just want me to listen?” “What are some ideas you have?” “What can I do to possibly help?” As We Listen…
- 15. Early Childhood Listening Early childhood leaders are BUSY people! We hear, but need to make sure we listen. How can we filter through the “stuff” that comes our way?
- 16. How Can It Be Easier? Proactive vs. Reactive Can we communicate more effectively so it becomes less likely that we will need to react and “fix” something? Technology
- 17. Which Is Best? In person Phone Text Email Website Picture Leaders need to know what is most appropriate and most effective for the situation/topic being communicated. “Just wanted you to know Jimmy’s having a hard day at school.”
- 18. Staff So many people So many personalities So many issues “Everyone benefits when we play nicely together.” We need to do what we tell the children!
- 19. As leaders, we are the ones who model highly effective methods of communication and share the reasoning why we feel they are effective and worthwhile. Some teachers may need a little help in communicating: with co-workers, kids, and parents. How will we help all staff in their success? Helping Teachers/Staff
- 20. Often Times… When a parent “blows up”… Increased expectations Economic pressures Parenting difficulties Time constraints Previous encounters Old feelings When we do all we can to build a relationship and KNOW people, we have a better chance of understanding the reasoning for something.
- 21. Be Intentional and Informational Written communication is the most effective and efficient way to provide ongoing correspondence between home and school. As we strive for high levels of communications between home and school… I never want a parent to come to me and say “I was never told that information.”
- 22. Meet My Friend… Would you ever argue with Mr. Rogers? Simple…less is more! Clear…Slow Easy to understand Easy to talk to and with
- 23. Ministry Communications As ministry leaders, we often have the task of communicating with the congregation as well as leaders in the congregation. Have you ever said: “They just don’t get it” What CAN you share, and HOW CAN YOU BEST share? What gifts do you have that will help you be a better communicator?
- 24. It’s About The Kids! What can the kids communicate about ministry? How can you include them in your communications? Video…Picture…Drawing
- 25. My Prayer… Always remember to turn your hearts and minds to Jesus! He is the ultimate communicator!
- 26. In A Nutshell… We are messy people (sinners), who will always make mistakes and make things even messier. Thankfully, we are forgiven and always will be. Know it’s a learning opportunity!
- 27. Drew D. Gerdes Early Childhood Director Messiah Lutheran School Weldon Spring, Missouri Email: dgerdes@messiahnetwork.org Twitter: @ddgerdes Facebook: Education Ease My Contact Info…