These posts will share some management tricks I use/have used/will never use again!
For as long as I have managed people, I have been told that I am a good leader. I have limited staff turnover in a field where that epidemic is high. Several of my staff tell me I am the best boss they have had, although they know I love a good brown nosing. My staff seem generally happy most of the time. So what's the key to my success?
I really don't have an answer. I have things that I do that seem to work and every month, I would love to share an idea with you!
Today... The Staff Shout Out Board!
I love this idea as a simple, inexpensive way to recognize staff. Often we can get so bogged down with the everyday responsibilities we have as child care professionals, especially part-time staff. They are often underpaid, over worked, and are expected to be like teachers without proper training. Therefore, I think it is incredibly important to recognize staff. People want to feel important, they want to feel special, and they want to feel like they are making a difference.
A simple way to do this is to create a Staff Shout Out Board! This idea first came to me from Ms. Lauren, a director at the Henderson Unit in Springfield. She shared this picture and wanted us to know how important this idea was.
Staff members would write little messages to other staff. Directors would recognize staff for their hard work and dedication. At the end of a rough day, staff could come into the staff office and see a small memento that highlighted something they did well. It makes a world of difference. Even when a staff would write something nice about me, especially if I was having a bad day, I would feel reinvigorated or at least reminded, why I do what I do! This is a low cost, team boosting, important idea and can change the morale of your staff.
Just look at what these staff members have to say about the Shout Out Board:
Ms. Kate, Tech Lab Coordinator, "When things get crazy and we don't have time to find each other, we have a place to voice our love and appreciation."
Ms. Amber, Program Director, "It has given me the chance to brag on staff for the little things they do. Like a staff volunteers to clean up a mess or willingly agrees to take extra members in their area or takes the trash out without being asked. Oftentimes, these small things go unnoticed or unrecognized. It is a place for me to let them know that even the small ways they step up are incredibly appreciated."
Ideas or questions? Subscribe and Submit! Also, next month in Somehow I Manage: The Staffle! A great recognition program for staff.