Download Open Communication

A BCSD Value:
Open Communication
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January 25, 2017
How We Communicate
Vision
Each student demonstrates
strength of character and is
college or career ready
Mission
The Bibb County School District will
develop a highly trained staff and an
engaged community dedicated to
educating each student for a 21st
century global society
VICTORY IN OUR SCHOOLS
5
District Values
COMPETENCE
LOYALTY
OPEN COMMUNICATION
DEFINED AUTONOMY
HONOR
Aspirational Values
•These are the characteristics that an organization wants to have,
wishes it already had, and believes it must develop in order to
maximize its success in its current market environment.
•Aspirational values are the qualities that an organization is
aspiring to adopt and will do its best to manage intentionally into
the organization.
•However, they are neither natural nor inherent, which is why they
must be purposefully inserted into the culture. But they should not
be confused with core values, which again, do not change over
time and do not come and go with the needs of the business.
Different Values Mean Different Things
OPEN COMMUNICATION
• The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion
that it has taken place.- George Bernard Shaw
• The less people know, the more they yell. – Seth Godi.
• The way we communicate with others and ourselves ultimately
determines the quality of our lives. -Tony Robbins
• Honest conversations with students, parents, and co-workers
builds trust.
• Open communication is an aspirational value.
True Open Communication
• Employees are encouraged to share their thoughts and
concerns, both good and bad, without the worry of retaliation
from management when the feedback is bad.
• Many companies claim to have open communication, but very
few actually practice it.
• Closed communication occurs when only one party is actively
communicating, such as when we lecture or present rules to our
children.
Achieving Open Communication
• The biggest factor to achieving open communication is
establishing trust.
• Employees need to be able to trust their employer will not deny
them raises and other compensation for disagreeing with a
policy and discussing it with their manager.
• They also need to feel safe taking their feedback to
management. If the wrong people are in the wrong jobs, it
hinders the ability to provide an open communication culture.
“Communication
is the real work
of Leadership.”
-Nitin Nohria
Open Door Policy
• A great way to look at the concept of open communication is through
the lens of the “Open Door” regulation that we have enacted in our HR
department and the Superintendent’s office.
• Policies like this work to make people in an organization feel
comfortable expressing open and honest feedback to coworkers and
organizational leadership.
• This process works because it encourages others to openly express
their opinions in an appropriate setting and demonstrates the
leadership’s willingness to listen.
What does “Let’s Talk” Do?
Show we care by listening
and responding to concerns
Show we know of
issues in our schools
Show we value
customer service by
responding quickly to
concerns
Why Open Communication?
• Open communication allows employees to be more engaged and
understand that what they do matters in the success of the school
district.
• Making sure your employees conceive the big picture and the part they
play in the success of the organization will help them better understand
why decisions are made and how those decisions impact them
specifically as well as the BCSD as a whole.
• Effective communication leads everyone to be on the same page;
moving in the same direction toward the same goal. Poor
communication creates havoc that can lead to higher turnover, apathy
in the ranks and poor customer service.
Open Communication and Leadership
• Open communication applies to management as well. Management
should communicate their expectations and goals as well as those of
the company.
• Routinely talk with employees about their goals, both personal and
professional, enhances employee engagement and personal
accountability for achieving success.
• Recognize and communicate achievements not only directly to the
deserving individual, but publicly so all can take part in the
celebration.
• And when an issue surfaces, address it immediately so everyone can
move forward.
The Case for Open Communication
• Effective communication seems simple, but it takes effort.
• Creating an open environment leads to reduced stress,
greater job satisfaction, team building, increased
commitment, loyalty to your organization as well as mutual
respect throughout the organization.
• Open communication creates a more productive work
environment and a positive workplace.
Celeste Headlee’s
TED talk
10 ways to have a better
conversation
https://www.ted.com/talks/celeste_headlee_10_ways_to_have_a_better_conversation
10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation
• Don't multitask
• Don't pontificate
• Use open-ended
questions
• Go with the flow
• If you don't know, say
that you don't know
• Don't equate your
experience with theirs
• Try not to repeat
yourself
• Stay out of the weeds
• Listen
• Be brief
OPEN COMMUNICATION
• Encourage all to share their thoughts and concerns, both good and
bad, without the worry of retaliation.
• Work to be on the same page. Use Open Door regulation and Let’s
Talk.
• Speak with employees about their goals.
• Recognize and communicate achievements to the deserving
individual and publicly.
• Have a better conversation.
• Open communication is an aspirational value!
A BCSD Value:
Open Communication