Saturday, September 27, 2014
Eight Steps to relationship building.
In this new educational world, it can be hard to remember that the majority of Technology Directors are not the run-of-the-mill wheeling and dealing sharks you may have heard of. In fact, the best Technology people are the complete opposite. They have mastered what the stereotypical technology people have not: listening. Yes, you read that right- listening is the cornerstone to building of relationship with the curriculum people and other technology teams. it’s the foundation for any type of relationship.
In our space, creating lasting relationships with other schools is of utmost importance. The main reason being we’re all in this together. As we educate your educational leader, you’ll become a resource, an asset and ultimately, they will trust and respect you. Below are 8 easy tips that have aided me in knocking down barriers and building relationships.
1. Clear Communication – Be straightforward, attentive and open to dialogue.
2. Provide Feedback – In an attempt to be their partner and build trust, guide them in the right direction.
3. Welcome Feedback – It’s a two-way street, let them tell you what’s on their mind and what they think of the proposed direction.
4. Educate – Everyone wins when you teach and they learn.
5. Follow Through – No one likes to be promised a cake and receive only a slice of it. Deliver on your word.
6. Follow Up – Find out how the [insert product/service] is working for them. Are they satisfied thrilled with it? What additional services/products could benefit them?
7. Maintain – Grab coffee. Ask about their family. Build relationships outside of work.
8. Transparency - Be open and honest answer all question openly and thank them for asking these good and sometimes tough questions of us.
These 8 tips give only a glimpse into my relationship-building process and are no way intended to be the cure-all. Nevertheless, they carry years of refinement and have worked in my favor time after time. You may find them all to be useful or you may see them as useless. Either way I’d like to know your thoughts so feel free to share them in the comments section.
Welcome to K12 Educational Technology Collaborations
K12 Educational Technology Collaborations
This Blog is devoted to helping to work on building the relationships needed to take educational technology in the State of Michigan and the nation to the next level. If we all work together in a TEAM we will achieve great things.
T - Together
E - Everyone
A- Achieves
M - More
And the students will be the winners.
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