Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to work with a handful of school leaders. They talked with me a lot, asking questions as well, about how to best communicate with staff. If I asked, most school staff groups would tell me they would love to see better communication from their leaders. It doesn’t mean that communication is poor, just that they would always love to have more information. I recorded a podcast episode recently where the principal shared some of her strategies as well.

Knowing that effective communication with staff is at the heart of successful school leadership, the keys to great staff communication kept ringing in my head throughout the week. When leaders communicate consistently and thoughtfully, they build trust, create a positive culture, and keep everyone focused on the school’s vision. So, to help spark some ideas, here are ten creative strategies to keep communication engaging and impactful:

1. Weekly Video Updates – Skip the lengthy emails; share key highlights in a short video instead. It adds a personal touch and can be viewed anytime.
2. Monday Morning Motivation – Start the week with an inspirational quote or message to set a positive tone and energize your team.
3. “Coffee Chat” Office Hours – Host informal office hours weekly for open, casual conversations. This “drop-in” approach fosters an open-door atmosphere.
4. Staff Shout-Out Board – Create a space in your newsletter or staff room for staff to recognize each other’s accomplishments, building a culture of appreciation.
5. Monthly “Principal’s Podcast” – Record a monthly podcast episode to discuss school goals, share insights, and connect with staff on a deeper level.
6. Survey the Staff – Use quick surveys to gather staff feedback on new initiatives and school culture. This demonstrates that their input matters.
7. “Bright Spots” Bulletin – Send a weekly email highlighting positive moments around the school, like successful lessons and student achievements.
8. Themed Lunch Breaks – Organize informal, themed lunches for open discussions or unwinding together.
9. Social Media for Internal Communication – Start a private Facebook group or Slack channel for real-time updates and camaraderie.
10. Interactive Newsletters – Include polls, links, and fun highlights in newsletters to keep them engaging and relevant.

Strong communication with staff isn’t just about sharing information; it’s about building Relationships and creating a thriving school culture. Try a few of these ideas to keep your team connected and motivated!

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Tune in this Sunday to “Leaning into Leadership” where I welcome Nicholas Bradford, Founder of the National Center for Restorative Justice.

Darrin Peppard Dr. Darrin Peppard

Dr. Darrin Peppard is an author, leadership coach, consultant, and speaker focused on organizational culture and climate, and growing emerging leaders. Darrin is the best-selling author of the book Road to Awesome, and is the host of the Leaning into Leadership podcast. As a ‘recovering high school principal’, Darrin shares strategies and lessons learned from 26 years in public education to help leaders gain clarity, find joy in their work, and walk in their purpose.