Speaking Voice-Listening Ear
“When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.” ~ Ernest Hemingway
One of the best ways to build a positive image of your school, district, business, and organization or a negative one is how you communicate. Websites provide others the opportunity to evaluate you. If this page is outdated, not easy to navigate, and does not contain inviting school pictures or welcoming information, you have missed your opportunity to capture their attention.
Websites are one of the best ways to connect with your stakeholders to give them a clear picture of your vision and mission. Letting others know why they want to be part of this system or are proud to be a member is a critical piece of the foundation for continued improvement, involvement, and support.
How do you listen to those who respond to the information you share? Listening to others is critical, but taking action steps is essential. You can listen with your ear to hear, but is it your brain or heart that responds?
Emotions
Our emotions are part of how we respond to the information we receive or do not receive. If you share information through social media, you check to see the likes, shares, and comments you receive. Many times you may find yourself comparing your posts to others. What happens when you do not receive any feedback?
The discovery of learning about the active and inactive engagement is essential, we look for the bonfire, and we miss the candle. Because we listen for the shout, we miss the whisper. Everyone who engages with your information may not feel comfortable “actively” placing a like or writing a comment. Never give up when you do not receive all of the active engagement you want to see.
Have you ever read a post, and it hit you hard with emotions? Please remember that posts are not always what they seem. Truth be Told one of my favorite songs and brings the dangers of assuming others have an easy life. Vacation pictures, awards, celebrations, and so many other things, if looked at deeply, are deceiving. We live in a time where impressing others is more important than living real life.
Stop comparing life with others and live life fully. Take in the moments, all of the wonderful crazy mixed up stories, pictures captured of scenes only families and friends understand, and adventures of travels to familiar places with special memories. Live life and not live life through the lens of social media moments. No one will remember all those posed pictures, awards, or ceremonies, but only the days, moments, and minutes that led to them.