Episode Details

This summer my wife and I will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.

For some reason, I’ve never thought of myself as older, but I realize now that I’m preparing for this anniversary, my children may categorize me that way. My wife, however, will forever be my young bride.

This reminds me of a story: An older married couple is celebrating their wedding anniversary, when the wife turns to the husband and says, “Darling, do you still love me?” And he replies, “Why, yes, I told you that I did 25 years ago.”

As school leaders, we may believe our teachers understand us just because we’ve delivered the message. But understanding is much deeper than simply hearing a message. And messaging with others in your school community requires more than simply relaying information.

Gary Smalley, author of The Five Love Languages, says that relationships are like a bank. To have a healthy “love bank” you must make more deposits than withdrawals.

As you think about your school, how are you strategizing to make sure your positive deposits are outweighing any negative withdrawals? What are some strategies you can use for building a stronger culture of understanding?

This week I am sharing a recent webinar episode on chapter 3 of my book, Messaging Matters: How School Leaders Can Inspire Teachers, Motivate Students, and Reach Communities. In chapters 1 and 2, we focused on mindset and examples for messaging with teachers. Chapter 3 is focus on strategies in four parts:

1. Strategies for positive messaging
2. Strategies for messaging with technology
3. Strategies for meaningful feedback
4. Strategies for facilitating change

Here’s a summary of the main points. For explanations and examples, feel free to listen to the podcast or watch the webinar of the presentation:

Part 1: Employ Strategies for Positive Messaging

How do you build a culture that encourage positivity and camaraderie?

• Establish spirit builders
• Introduce and continue traditions
• Organize celebrations

Your culture and relationships are key to any meaningful experience you want others to have in your school.

Part 2: Apply Technology Strategies

If used effectively, technology can enhance the ways you message with teachers throughout a school year.

• Accomplish work and share online
• Use video files to communicate
• Send Friday follow-ups
• Keep these six tech tips in mind…

1. Carry an iPhone or camera to capture moments.
2. Increase your social media shares.
3. Boost a post for more exposure.
4. Share weekly summaries of great happenings.
5. Use media relationships to promote teacher and student activities.
6. Push out press releases beyond your community.
7. Communication through technology doesn’t guarantee connection, but if used effectively, it can enhance connection.

Part 3: Practice Strategies for Providing Meaningful Feedback

I bet you