I think Probing is the tough for me. I can build great rapport with the best of them but when it comes to asking questions sometimes I hit a road block. Thus, not being able to offer the best solution for them. I need to focus a little more attention on not being afraid and just ask.
Making sure that I'm serving the best interest of the potential student is crucial. It's not my job to convince them to participate in a program that is not a good fit. I must give them the best advice for their situation...even if it means they will not be attending my school.
Kelly, this is great awareness. Thanks for sharing! Enthusiasm is extremely important and it sounds like you have a passion for what you do - awesome! But, it does sound like you have a plan in order to engage the student more and get them as excited about the school too.
Dr. Jean Norris
My biggest challenge is I that I sometimes get so passionate about what our school has to offer & all the benefits that I forget to stop & really allow the prospective student to respond.
I am going to make a more conscious effort to stop listen respond & speak
You bring up a common challenge and one that many admission professionals struggle with every day. The ability to clear our filter and to approach every interview fresh and without bias is a practice. What can you do to prepare yourself before each interview to set aside preconceived notions?
Working through preconcieved notions beyond appearance, such as family dynamic, since we have found certain 'situations' can cause a greater deal of difficulty regarding the student finishing our program, and sometimes, even leading to students withdrawing.
Pearlina, that's a great point. We want to make sure that we understand exactly what the speaker is trying to communicate, so we can ask follow up questions and use active listening techniques in order to check for understanding.
Dr. Jean Norris
Catherine I agree with your statement #8: ensure the receiver understands the message. Communication is difficult. I have had alot of this being in texas and find it to be easier for me if I do repeat the thinsgs I dont understand. It is always best to clarify than to guess.
Catherine, you make a great point here. Too often we communicate in the way we think a message should be sent, however, we have to look at the receiver of the message to make sure it was understood how we intended. Great job.
Dr. Jean Norris
One area of the code of conduct which needs constant monitoring is #8: ensure the receiver understands the message. Communication is difficult. Sometimes there are language barriers between us and the students. We can use the check-in statements to be sure we are communicating clearly. For example: "I understood you to say (insert idea being discussed). Did I understand that correctly?" That way we can monitor if there are misunderstandings or confusion. We can then clarify our message more.
Josh, thanks for sharing this. Yes, the laws are always changing. Some people have found Google alerts helpful so that they get a daily list of anything that occurs in the news. Another helpful site is the Department of Education webpage at www.ed.gov or even looking at different accreditation body websites. Hope that helps.
Dr. Jean Norris
I've always taken pride in my morality, so most of these points are pretty much common sense to me. I suppose knowledge of all of the laws would be the biggest challenge. Since things change nearly every year, I should look up the specific laws that apply to my job. Where could I go to find a list of these?
Jessica, thanks for sharing this. I love that you have a plan to improve the appearance of your desk. Keep up the good work.
Dr. Jean Norris
I tend to have a very messy desk at work, but I really did not think that affected how others looked at me. I am thinking that I am going to make a huge effort to get it back to just the basics on the top part, and everything else organized nicely in the drawers. I am starting this today!
George, great points here. I love your plan moving forward. Keep us updated on how things progress.
Dr. Jean Norris
Davida, this is great. It is all about helping the student and ultimately allowing them to make the choice that is right for them.
Dr. Jean Norris
Provide the right tools to the Prospective students to make an appropriate choice
I identified 9, and 11 as areas I would like to put additional attention into.
(9)Traings such as this always help you put in prospective the importace of what we do and how imperative it is that we do it right. Game plan- work with our parent corporation to participate in more trainings of this type.
(11)The laws that govern our profession, industry and place of work are vital. It is easy to place less importance on them. Game plan- brainstorm with the admissions team to keep well informed and knowledgeable of these laws and any changes that occur.
Pamela,
That's a great question. In my opinion, it is important that we don't judge others and make assumptions about their ability to be successful. What we CAN do however is make sure they meet the admissions criteria for the institution and do a thorough interview and counseling session to make sure they have examined all the elements of their decision. This may require training that is beyond the typical admissions interview but it's where I believe the profession needs to go. Thoughts?
Dr. Jean Norris
I understand what you are saying, but my concern is how, if necessary, to guide them away from probable failure...how NOT to set them up to fail. Does that make sense? I am passionate about this school and profession, and know that all can benefit from attending, BUT, if there is something in their makeup that will make them 'inappropriate' for the field and therefore, "un-hirable", how do I handle that?
Thank you for your thoughts.
