In
order to be an effective communicator, one needs to be thoughtful, have the
ability to use symbols and listening skills as well as the ability to influence
others (O’Hair & Wiemann, 2012).
When I think of a competent communicator, my former principal, Mrs.
Virginia Charles comes to mind. She has
a charismatic style of leadership which allows her to forge relationships with
others. She is great at exhibiting
effective communication appropriate for any given situation. Her communication style at a professional
staff meeting differs from that of a parent teacher meeting as well as that of
a personal nature. She is very
expressive and has the ability to self-disclose. During conversations she maintains eye
contact and uses language understood by her audience. She is mindful of the
message her verbal as well as non-verbal behaviors convey. She is
open minded, listens attentively and actively and takes others ideas into
consideration. She is empathetic and shows
respect and appreciation for other persons’ perspective even when she does not
agree with it. She is not one to talk together
with another person and will not stop you in mid conversation to answer her
phone. She has the ability to influence people and get her message across
whether it is one on one, a small group or a large gathering. She looks at a situation from other’s perspective
and does not get emotionally charged even when infuriated by a situation. She possesses a gentle and friendly demeanor
and is able to reciprocate support.
I
would like to model some of my communication behaviors after her since I would
like to be a very competent and effective communicator. Being an effective communicator would allow
me to foster and maintain positive and healthy relationships with children,
families and by extension all stake holders responsible for the healthy growth
and development of our children.
Reference
O’Hair,
D. & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction (2nd
ed.). New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s
Zephirina, this sounds like a wonderful communicator for your role model. We are not always so lucky to have such role models in our lives but using lessons taught by others to improve our communication skills makes us better educators. Look forward to hearing more about your role models.
ReplyDeleteMegan Walter
Hi Zephirina,
ReplyDeleteMrs. Virginia Charles sounds like what every school needs as a mentor and role model for children, parents and teachers today. The right communication skills is essential for powerful professionals like Ms. Charles and also us (childcare educators) to exemplify and transpire within our own program and promote us to be, and do the best that we continue to be today.
-Talisha Ghansiam