■ Higher Education
LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP
■ Higher Education
Continued From Page 18
Dr . Bridges outlines the goals of the ambitious new program when it was launched at Middlesex County College . of great employees . This initiative can make those employees even stronger and greater contributors to their respective workplaces ,” Bridges added .
Through the initiative , some students are receiving coaching and advising to help them learn how to maximize their credits for success For some students , Bridges said , the best option might be to apply their credits toward an associate degree and pursue certificate programs that are more aligned with todays ’ employment market .
New Jersey also provides a wide array of financial assistance options , the secretary said , emphasizing that New Jersey is one of the top states in the country with regard to the level of per student aid provided by the state . Two popular programs are the Community College Opportunity Grant and the Garden State Guarantee . The opportunity grant allows income-eligible students to obtain their associate degree tuition-free or at an affordable reduced rate at local community colleges . Upon graduation , eligible students can transfer to a New Jersey public , four-year institution and receive additional funding through the Garden State Guarantee .
Bridges said the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority can also provide support for returning students . His office is speaking with colleges and universities to about broader strategies to support this student population , including the potential of forgiving small institutional debts a student may have more information on the “ some college no degree ” program go to mydegree . nj . gov .
Higher Education Institutions Participating in the ‘ Some College , No Degree ’ Initiative
The 17 institutions participating in the year one pilot cohort include :
◾ Rutgers University-Newark ,
◾ New Jersey Institute of Technology
◾ Kean University
◾ New Jersey City University
◾ Stockton University
◾ William Paterson University of New Jersey
◾ Thomas Edison State University
◾ Saint Elizabeth University
◾ Camden County College
◾ Essex County College
◾ Hudson County Community College
◾ Middlesex College
◾ Passaic County Community College
◾ Rowan College at Burlington County
◾ Salem Community College
◾ Sussex County Community College
◾ Union College of Union County
LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP
Stop the Jargon
By Steve Adubato , PhD Freelance Contributor
We are all guilty of using jargon in our everyday business communication . Phrases like “ paradigm shift ”, “ put a pin in it ”, “ raise the bar ”, “ circle back ” and “ at the end of the day ,” have been so engrained in our workplace conversations that we don ’ t hear them . The danger of such ambiguous language is that these expressions can mean very different things to different people .
If you are guilty of communicating through jargon , consider these suggestions :
◾ Think about your audience . If the people in the audience weren ’ t sitting beside you in law school or medical school , then assume they don ’ t know what you are talking about . Use simple and specific language that is universally understood .
◾ Avoid acronyms . These abbreviations are often the cause of miscommunication , as the receiver may not ask for clarification if they are unsure of what you are saying . Therefore , if you do use an acronym , briefly explain what it means .
◾ Find a shorter way to say things . Instead of saying , “ Your actions are an inappropriate response , which only cause me to feel I have to respond in kind .” Try saying , “ That ’ s really bothering me . Can you stop it .” Be deliberate and concise in the words you use to avoid miscommunication .
◾ Change your way of thinking . Get out of your head the idea that jargon makes you sound smart . It doesn ’ t . It creates communication barriers and obstacles and hurts your ability to build relationships and close deals .
◾ Lead by example . As a leader , it is essential that you not only insist that your team use clear , unambiguous language , but that you model it yourself . Employees want to fit into an office culture , so will mimic the actions of others to show they are part of the team .
Steve Adubato , PhD , is the author of five books including , “ Lessons in Leadership .” His sixth book , “ Lessons in Leadership 2.0 : The Tough Stuff ,” will be released in summer 2023 . He is an Emmy ® Award-winning anchor with programs airing on Thirteen / WNET ( PBS ) and NJ PBS . He has also appeared on CNN , NPR and NBC ’ s Today Show . Steve Adubato ' s “ Lessons in Leadership ” video podcast with co-host Mary Gamba airs Sundays at 10:00 a . m . on News 12 +. For more information visit www . Stand-Deliver . com
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