stand up & communicate!
TRANSCRIPT
Drew D. Gerdes
National Administrator’s Conference
Lutheran Education Association
February 2015
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Welcome!
Who would like to lead this session?
Why are we afraid of speaking?
We are involved in ministry.
Ministry is about relationships.
Relationships require communication.
Reality Is…
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.
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…
Resources…
Robert Bolton John Maxwell
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.
To Consider…
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.
Communication Barriers
Some barriers may occur in communication when one party has specific,
strong needs.
Be aware of:
Judging
Sending Solutions
Avoiding Concerns
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…
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.
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…
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?
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
Which Is Best?
In personPhoneText
EmailWebsitePicture
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.”
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!
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
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.
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.”
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
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?
It’s About The Kids!
What can the kids communicate about
ministry?
How can you include them in your
communications?
Video…Picture…Drawing
My Prayer…
Always remember to turn your hearts and minds to Jesus!
He is the ultimate communicator!
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!
Drew D. Gerdes
Early Childhood Director
Messiah Lutheran School
Weldon Spring, Missouri
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @ddgerdes
Facebook: Education Ease
My Contact Info…