This week is Spring semester class start-up at our community college.  Remember, I teach two classes each semester and my single specific instruction area is American Government & Politics.  As you can guess this is a fun, great, diverse course and between the two classes I have about 30 students in total.

One of my traditions every semester is to identify an individual professional development priority for everyone to improve on as a person and as a student.  This Semester’s Priority:  Communication was received with a good number of why…what…when…where…and how questions.  Their concerns were not a surprise but my answer seemed to add up to a very important TRIPLE III TIME message.

Here are some summary bullet points of what I told them:

• Communication…good communication skills are the most important transferable skills…for EVERYTHING!
• Communication…good communication skills can open many opportunity doors…bad communication skills will close them.
• Communication…good communication in whatever form will cause you to be invited back for many progress opportunities.
• Communication…good communication defeats gossip.
• Communication…good communication can help you make a positive difference for yourself and others.

Well I could tell that my good communication discussions were reaching the “this is too much” for the first class level.  However, for this TRIPLE III TIME message remember:  (1) Communication has to happen so make it good, (2) Be aware of your own Communication strengths and weaknesses, (3) Make quality Communication part of your organizations culture, and (4) Help everyone understand THEY own their Communication…so THEY should make it the best everyday…EVERYDAY!