Positive communication is not just a buzzword—it's the foundation of fostering strong, meaningful relationships. Whether in personal interactions or within organisational settings, positive communication plays a vital role in development and growth. In early childhood education, where nurturing relationships are essential, supportive communication emerges as a catalyst for achieving positive outcomes.
But what exactly is supportive communication? At its core, supportive communication encompasses a range of practices that promote empathy, active listening, and constructive feedback. It goes beyond mere exchange of information; it fosters an environment where team members feel valued, understood, and motivated to contribute their best efforts.
In early childhood education services, supportive communication acts as a foundation for enhancing organisational performance. By encouraging open dialogue and mutual respect among educators, families, and other stakeholders, paves the way for collaborative problem-solving and innovative approaches to teaching and caregiving.
Effective communication thrives on supportive, appreciative, and inclusive language. It serves as the foundation for exchanging ideas, cultivating relationships, and fostering shared understanding. Adopting diverse communication strategies tailored to specific situations and colleagues can significantly amplify the impact of our interactions. Whether it's being more empathetic, providing clearer explanations, or adopting a softer tone, adjusting our communication style enables us to navigate complexities effectively. Sometimes, it involves listening attentively, while other times, it requires probing with compassionate, thoughtful questions to ensure mutual comprehension and engagement. Ultimately, by embracing supportive communication approaches, we empower ourselves to connect more deeply and achieve more meaningful outcomes in every interaction.
To implement supportive communication within your team, consider these qualities and approaches suggested by Kim Cameron (2013,2021) and his colleagues:
Increase positive ratios – aim for an average of five positive statement or exchange for every negative statement or exchange
Problem- focused – emphasise the problem or the action, not the person to enable movement towards a solution.
Descriptive – objectively describe incidents, re-count reactions or outcomes and avoid evaluating the situation (this is like a verbal anecdotal record).
Respectful– demonstrating acceptance for the other person’s point of view.
Inquiry-based – ask as much as you state your own case.
Common agreement – identify and recap areas of shared agreement as a basis for moving forward.
Congruence— the language we use is matched by tone and body language and we are authentic, sincere, straightforward, and honest in delivering our communication
Two-way – say only three or four sentences before you give the other person a chance to speak, and allow them at least as much time before responding
By prioritising supportive communication within your early childhood education team, you can create a positive and productive work environment where relationships flourish, challenges are tackled collaboratively, and organisational goals are achieved with enthusiasm and dedication. By embracing these approaches, it can support your team to grow stronger, more cohesive, and increasingly effective in delivering high quality care and education.
References
Cameron, K. S. (2013). Practicing positive leadership: tools and techniques that create extraordinary results (First edition.). Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
Cameron, K. (2021) Positively Energizing Leadership: Virtuous Actions and Relationships That Create High Performance. Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Comments