Page 12 - Mini-Module 4

Identify and Clarify

This occurs when a school leader’s communication strategy is to seek
out and identify key community issues and address these with as much
efficacy as possible. For example; What do the parents want to know?
What information do staff need in order to be able to do their job
effectively?

This is NOT about withholding knowledge for power, but the belief that
too much knowledge is just too confusing and unnecessary, it is like
background noise and clutter and gets in the way of ‘clear’
communication.

This strategy may include activities such as creating networks of close
contacts who will keep the school leader informed of what parents are
thinking and what they want to know – to ‘keep their finger on the
pulse’.

For many principals the role of the mid-level leader is to keep the
principal informed of what teachers are thinking and what they need in
terms of information and what needs clarifying (Remember to concept
of Whistle-Blower).
What issues need to be clarified? What problems are looming because
of a lack of clear communication? What position does the leader need
to make ‘clear’ to everyone?

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