Toxic Communication

Many people say communication is key to a positive school climate. This is only true if the communication is effective. Ineffective communication can be just as toxic as a lack of communication. When communicating it is important to try to create a circle of influence rather than utilizing a circle of authority. Using a circle of influence creates buy-in and leads to more of a win-win situation; whereas, a circle of authority centers around control and doesn't allow for true collaboration. Most often this type of communication ends in a win-lose or lose-lose situation. The seven steps in my book will assist you in developing effective communication skills when dealing with difficult people or people in general.