Less Email, More Talking. It’s All About Training And Development.

The summer slow-down provides an opportunity to not only transition email inbox processing from School Executive to School Secretary, it’s also an ideal season to re-train your school community in how to effectively communicate with you. Transitioning email inbox management duties from Executive to Secretary is not simply about creating greater front office efficiencies. The point is to ensure you, the school leader, GETS LESS EMAIL every single day. You do this by stating your case plainly and repeatedly to your professional community, without fear or hesitation. 

To encourage face-to-face talking with you versus email, incorporate these key phrases into every communication:

With Central Office Colleagues

• “Got your email. It would be easier for me to discuss this in person. When would be a good time to schedule a quick chat?”
• “Thanks for reaching out. My focus is on minimizing email to improve productivity. Let’s schedule a brief meeting/call to discuss this further.”
• “Duly noted. It would be great to chat about this. Let’s schedule time to talk.”

With Site-Level Staff

• “Hi (NAME)! In-person chats are preferred when possible. Feel free to schedule a quick meeting with me through (Scty’s Name). Otherwise, I’ll make a point to stop by your classroom on my next Coaching Day.”
• “Thanks for reaching out. In-person conversations are more efficient for certain topics. Feel free to ask (SECRETARY’S NAME) to book time with me on my calendar.” 

General Email Auto-Reply Add-Ons

• “For everyone’s information, in-person communication or scheduled meetings are prioritized for discussions that benefit from more direct interaction. This helps to stay focused and ensures better collaboration.”
• “To make communication more efficient, alternatives to email for quick questions or discussions are encouraged. Brief chats, scheduled meetings, or simply chatting when seeing each other are all good options.” 

Key Points To Remember

• Be polite and respectful: Use phrases like “I appreciate you reaching out,” or “It would be great to chat.”
• Explain your reasoning (briefly). Mention “improving focus,” “ensuring clarity,” or “prioritizing in-person collaboration.”
• Offer alternatives: Clearly suggest the preferred methods (scheduling meetings or casual in-person interactions).
• Be consistent with boundaries: Consistently redirecting emails and encouraging in-person conversations helps coworkers understand and adopt your preferred communication style.

Ready to take your Breakthrough Coach practices to the next level? 

Join TBC’s upcoming fall Webinar Series to experience “extended-play” conversations like these with our TBC Coaches and committed Graduates. Register today!