November is the month of giving thanks and as I thought about what to write, Bob Hope’s signature song “Thanks for the Memory” was stuck in my brain. That got me thinking about all the wonderful memories I have acquired over my thirty plus year career in education. Many special events, programs, awards and accomplishments come to mind, but more than anything, the memories that fill my mind and heart are about all the people who made my job as a school leader so rewarding—students, parents and dedicated teachers. I particularly loved being a leader of teachers because they were committed to doing what it takes for kids.

I learned so much from so many teachers. Above all, I learned the importance of communication, as well as building and nurturing positive relationships. True and effective leadership doesn’t come from positional power. A leader’s personal effectiveness comes from their skill in mastering the language of leadership. This language plays a powerful role in helping leaders create a climate of trust, openness and genuine credibility. Our words are so important —how we choose them, how we group them together and certainly how we deliver them. These verbal and written skills provide us with the unique power to influence, motivate and inspire others. The words we select and the way we deliver them, make all the difference, but words are not the only important parts of the language of leadership.

The language of leadership includes verbal, written and silent/body language, facial expression, tone of voice, and any other actions that convey a message. Learning this language involves your whole person— your eye contact, physical gestures, use of personal space, and posture or way you carry yourself. Any of these components has the ability to sabotage the message you intend. The latest research in neuroscience has proven that body language is a crucial factor in leadership effectiveness because the human brain is hard wired to read and react to these signals. If the words you say and your body language are out of alignment, people will inevitably believe what they see and not what they hear. Your silent message can contradict the verbal message you are trying to send, if you don’t understand the conflicting signals you are sending. How you express and present yourself can have a significant impact on your leadership image and long term success. We must all be skilled in delivering our messages as a whole package in our whole person.

As a school leader, you are helping to create memories with teachers, parents and children who are important to you through your leadership and language. Take some time this month to think about your blessings and those special people who you want to give “Thanks for the Memory.”

Jane Bidlack, MS, ACC has over 35 years of experience in education, serving in New York and Texas and holding positions as teacher, central office administrator and principal. She has been with Coaching For Results Global for over eight years and brings a wealth of experiences and expertise. To read more about Jane and other CFR Global coaches, go to www.coachingforresutlsglobal.com and click on “coaches.”