Kimberly R. Rothwell-Carson
EDUC 8021
Educational Leadership
Dr. Sivula
November 2, 2008
Effective communication: a motivational skill for principals
Communication is an important aspect of leadership. Communication is the process of conveying information and meaning (Lussier & Achua, 2007). It is a major competency of an effective leader. Communication is an important factor in motivating others. The ability to motivate others is another skill of an effective leader.
Ethical leaders with integrity will use open and honest communication (Lussier & Achua, 2007). In Stephen Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the fifth habit is all about communication. In discussing this fifth habit, Covey maintains that people diagnose before they prescribe in communication. ‘People do not attempt to deeply understand the problem first’ (Covey, 237). Seeking first to understand is the key to interpersonal communication. He continues by looking at communication through the character ethic. He states that ‘the real key to your influence with me is your example, your actual conduct’ (Covey, 238). If people do not trust your character, they cannot understand you, which limits their ability to be influenced by your advice.
What does a principal need to do in order to assure that he or she is an effective communicator? Certainly, learning from the work of Covey and developing an effective style of communication is important. This communication needs to be authentic. Authentic communication can be a motivator for faculty. If you want the faculty to take on leadership and responsibility you must empower them to do so (Quay & Quaglia, 2005). As a principal, it will be important to understand the faculty members and affirm their feelings and ideas as well as validate them in order to show appreciation. (Covey, 2004). Showing faculty how you came to decisions and actions is important as it will increase creditability (Covey, 2004; Quay & Quaglia, 2005). This creditability will support authentic communication, which can motivate faculty and create an effective learning environment for all.
Covey, S. R. (2004). The 7 habits of highly effective people. New York: Free
Press.
Lussier, R.N. & Achua, C.F. (2007). Leadership: theory, application, skill
development ( 3 ed.). Ohio: South-Western Cengage Learning.
Quay, S. A. & Quaglia, R. L. (2005). Eight ways to motivate your staff [electronic
version]. Principal, 83(3), 40-42.
