I would
first like to say welcome to everyone as we begin this next part of reaching
our goals. I look forward to working/learning
with everyone during the next eight weeks.
When I read this assignment I could not decide which person/situation to
use as an example. I am very fortunate
to be in contact with many great communicators.
I finally decided to use the resource worker assigned to me through the
Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Cheryl is my contact when I am not getting the resources I need for the
children/adolescents who are in my home (foster care). I am very fortunate to have Cheryl as my resource
worker since she is a great individual to work with and a terrific communicator. If I need anything at all she makes sure the
request is taken seriously. She always
answers her phone or returns my messages as soon as she can. She also takes the time to really listen to
what I am saying as well as allowing me to use her as a sounding board when
trying to find a solution (for instance) to an issue I may be having with one
of the children/adolescents and/or one of the various social workers involved
in these cases.
In regards
to modeling some of my own behaviors after Cheryl, I certainly hope that I do
take her cues and communicate with others as well as she does. It is important to have skills in
communication in general, but it is especially true when you work with
children/adolescents in as many capacities as I do (i.e. licensed home child
care provider; foster mom; volunteer; and area representative for exchange
students). By working with someone with
great communication skills, it allows me to reinforce my own skills as well as
reflect on what I may need to change in my own communication style.
It is great that you are surrounded by so many competent communicators! Thank you for sharing the example of Cheryl. Just the mere fact that she either answers her phone or returns your messages right away makes someone feel important! The opposite of that is quite frustrating and I experience that everytime that I try to contact the person at work who handles tuition reimbursements for these Master's classes. She neither answers her phone or ever returns phone calls from messages.
ReplyDeleteSince you are surrounded by such excellent communicators and you are such an active advocate in your community, you are most certainly an ethical and effective communicator yourself.
Cindy
How lucky you are to have such a great model of an effective communicator! I am sure that has helped you to develop communication skills that are helpful to you. One of the areas that people often complain about in regard to communication is that people do not return phone calls or e-mail messages in a timely manner. That often turns people away from seeking the services of a child care facility because it shows a lack of respect for others. It sounds like Cheryl is an effective communicator, and you are lucky to have her around.
ReplyDeleteRobin,
ReplyDeleteFirst, let me know acknowledge all of the wonderful work you are doing by providing time, attention, and love to your family childcare children, foster children, and exchange students. I'm excited to hear that you have someone within the system that now only provides you with support but is also a good communicator. While all of your services are obviously driven by your heart, I can't help but wonder how having an incompetent communicator might impact someone's motivation to continue to serve. Kudos to both of you!
~Shawn
Robin, It is inspiring to hear the collaboration that is occurring to insure that services are given to children. It is nice to hear the respect you have for your coworkers. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteRobin,
ReplyDeleteGlad to see your name again in my group. It sounds like you are creating great collations and collaborations in your area. I am excited to see what you have in store for us, this semester. Thank you for sharing.