Open & Honest Communication Is Built One Conversation at a Time
Last week, we explored why communication challenges are often symptoms rather than root causes.
And while we know teams struggle to communicate openly when trust is low, when assumptions replace curiosity, or when people do not feel psychologically safe, how do we begin to change that?
I can tell you it’s not by asking people to "communicate better."
But rather, by intentionally creating a culture where open communication becomes the norm.
A great strategy for doing this is by creating communication norms.
Communication norms are the shared expectations that guide how people interact with one another. They shape how questions are asked, how concerns are addressed, how disagreements are handled, and how feedback is shared.
Unlike policies or procedures, communication norms are experienced every day through small interactions.
For example:
We ask questions before making assumptions.
We address concerns directly with the person involved.
We seek to understand before offering solutions.
We assume positive intent while remaining curious.
We acknowledge mistakes and focus on learning.
These expectations don't eliminate difficult conversations. They make difficult conversations more productive.
As we prepare for a new school year, communication norms deserve the same level of attention as schedules, classroom assignments, and professional development plans. Because the way adults communicate with one another quickly becomes the culture children and families experience.
Strong communication is not built during one workshop or one team meeting. It’s built through hundreds of small conversations that reinforce trust, clarity, and respect over time.
As you prepare for pre-service, ask yourself:
What communication norms do we want every member of our team to experience this year?
The answer to that question may shape your culture more than any policy or procedure ever will.
Preparing for Pre-Service?
This week's Communication Norms Conversation Starter is designed to help leadership teams identify the shared expectations they want to establish before the new school year begins.
Use it during leadership meetings, onboarding conversations, or pre-service planning to begin building the communication culture you want—not simply hoping it develops on its own.