Three Key Steps: How to Communicate Effectively as a School Leader

Hey, gang! Today, I’m talking to my school leaders. Communication matters. How you speak to your staff, students, and parents shapes your school’s culture. To lead effectively, you must communicate clearly, concisely, and memorably.

How do you do that? Stick to three key points.

Why Three?

Three is the magic number and School House Rock agrees. People remember things in threes. It’s not too much, not too little. Think about it: Stop, Drop, and Roll. That phrase sticks because it gives clear action steps in a simple, easy-to-recall format.

Your message as a school leader needs to be just as effective. Instead of overwhelming people with ten steps, break it down into three. This will make your message clear and help people take action.

Step 1: Make It Memorable

Your words must stick. If your message fades from memory the moment people leave the room, you’ve lost your impact. Keep your points short, powerful, and easy to recall.

Let’s say you’re rolling out a new initiative. Instead of dumping a long list of steps on your team, break it into three core ideas. By keeping it simple, your staff will retain the message and apply it more effectively.

1. Understand the goal. Why does this initiative matter?
2. Take action. What steps must they follow?
3. Reinforce success.  How can they stay consistent?

Step 2: Make It Understandable

If people don’t understand you, they won’t follow through. Avoid jargon. Speak in clear, direct language that everyone can grasp.

In meetings, avoid rambling. Your team doesn’t need every tiny detail. They need the core message. When parents come to you with concerns, don’t overload them with policy details—give them three key takeaways to help them navigate the situation.

When speaking, ask yourself: “Would I understand this if I heard it for the first time?” If not, simplify it.

Step 3: Make It Valuable

It’s not about how much you say. It’s about the value of what you say. People don’t remember long-winded explanations. They remember useful, impactful information.

Before speaking, decide on three valuable points your audience needs to walk away with. If you’re leading a staff meeting, focus on three priorities. If you’re addressing students, highlight three behaviors that lead to success.

When difficult conversations arise, don’t get lost in emotion or excessive details. Stick to three clear points:

1. The issue: What’s happening?
2. The impact: Why does it matter?
3. The solution: What must change?

Lead with Clarity

Strong communication builds trust and clarity in your school, which are essential values that strengthen the climate and culture. Use three key points to make your message memorable, understandable, and valuable. This method works in staff meetings, parent discussions, public speaking, and even one-on-one conversations.

Remember, gang—it’s not about how much you say. It’s about the impact of what you say. Stand tall, communicate clearly, and lead with confidence!