"Rising to meet Expectations"

Two areas of our recently completed organizational assessment indicated a decline in performance.  Both related to communication.  In many instances, there are little or no excuses or explanations for ineffective and inefficient communication.  Yet, here we are once again in a situation where communication and its’ effect is akin to describing “good” weather.  We know that communication like weather has individual preferences when it comes to “how” as well as “how effective and efficient” it is.  That being said, it is timely that we revisit the nine (9) ways, nine (9) times communication practice.

So what is it about the number nine?

A search on the Internet will produce myriad research, examples, applications and implications for the use and interpretation of the number nine.   In this case, I simply want to emphasize that nine different strategies for communication and the frequency of nine times may increase both effect and import of communication. 

The efforts to inform, make aware, build understanding, and generate support both internally and externally to our organization did not realize the desired or expected impact this past year.  The tendency to affix blame or cast judgment on others especially if the message sent was not the message received is as fruitful as blaming the meteorologist for the weather.

We are making time to systematically and systemically reflect and review communication.   Central to our improving communication is first clarity of purpose.  Too often we engage in communication efforts to convince others of our position, perspective, a decision or rationale for a decision.

Let’s take our mission, “all means all” as the purpose of our communication.  We desire and therefore believe the purpose of communicating “all means all” is for our parents, community, staff, and students our actions, decisions, practices, and programs are centered on each being successful.  Simple, straightforward – “all means all” in all we say and do!  Yet, the following findings from the OA suggest that the message is not as straightforward let alone universally understood, owned, or evident.  Consider,

·  The small numbers of parents involved in their children’s education and the lack of participation in community forums, parent-school organizations and district activities suggest there is not a universal understanding or commitment to the vision.

·  Many staff members do not have a clear understanding of the vision.

·  Many staff members do not understand what the mission looks like in practice.

·  Many stakeholders lack clarity about the district’s direction.

These are sobering and humbling.  In as much as we have provided opportunities albeit forums, mailings, civic presentations, and the like, there remains an overall sense that awareness, understanding, and support for the “all means all” mission is lacking.  Hence, the nine ways nine times practice.

Two strategies that are in motion to address these deficits involve 1) a communication campaign and 2) a series of Key Partner meetings.  The communication campaign is akin to a marketing strategy to expand awareness of success and accomplishments, promote the mission, goals, and expectations, engage stakeholders and partners, and expand student, parent, staff, and community understanding of the vision, mission, commitments, and strategies to achieve results. 

The Key Partner meetings will be facilitated by the Anson County Chamber of Commerce and will focus on two critical questions:

1. What do our businesses, faith community, health care, banking professional, farming, and etc. expect and require from their school system; and

2. What evidence will they accept as progress toward meeting or exceeding their expectations and requirements?

The communications campaign is very specific and timely.  Our community (internal and external) will through several mediums experience an increased presence of information about the Anson County Schools.

Each of these strategies will incorporate the nine ways nine times to increase awareness, understanding and support for the Anson County Schools.  I am confident that the 2013 Organizational Assessment will yield different findings than those found this year.

Next week, I will have more on the strategies to increase effective and efficient communication.