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 when I can, I love to share those ideas with you!
Today... The Youth Development Professional of the Month Program!
This idea is different from my other Somehow I Manage posts. This recognition program is more organized and distinct. This program recognizes one part-time staff every month. Every since I became the Director of Programs, a perpetual conversation was "How can we better recognize and reward our part-time staff?" So, I made it a priority to develop a professional program that recognizes part-time staff
for their contributions to our organization. So how does it work?
PURPOSE: To recognize and acknowledge the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield staff members for their commitment to excellence and upholding the Boys & Girls Club mission and values.
TARGET: To recognize YDPs for their hard work, to YDPs for their commitment to the Club, to increase quality YDP retention, to create a positive work environment, and to offer growth potential for staff members.
STRUCTURE: Each month, one YDP from each of Springfield’s four Units will be chosen to represent their Unit as a candidate for the YDP of the Month Distinction. Nominations may be made by anyone (staff, member, parent, etc.). Nominators will complete the attached nomination form and turn it in to a Springfield Club Program Director for review. Program Directors will choose one representative from each Unit and will be responsible for submitting said nomination to the Director of Programs, Brandy Harris, by the first Tuesday of each month by 11:59pm. The Director of Programs will only accept nominations from Program Directors.
RECOGNITION: Each nominee will be featured on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield’s social media pages. Each YDP on the month will receive a write up in the Challenge Newsletter, be featured on social media, receive a certificate, be able to participate in opportunities that recognize their hard work, and be eligible for the Staff of the Year award.
YDP OF THE YEAR: Each month’s winner will be eligible for the Staff of the Year award. This person will be recognized at the Annual Dinner, receive a plaque, and several opportunities to represent the Club as an ambassador. YDP of the Year nominees will participate in an interview process with a panel of judges from the community. This will most likely occur in the month of January. Sample interview questions include: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?, What are three words to describe your personality?, What is your biggest accomplishment at the Club?, How do you ensure that you are upholding the Club’s mission, Code, and Values?, What do you do to give back to your community?, What advice would you have for a new staff beginning at the Club?
NOTIFICATION: When a staff member is chosen, send out an email letting them know the great news! Here is a sample:
Hello James McKenzie!
My name is Brandy Harris and I am the Director of Programs and the Sertoma Unit Director. It is my pleasure to let you know that you are the July Youth Development Professional of the Month.
To earn this distinction, you must display commitment to the Boys & Girls Club Movement, ensure the emotional and physical safety of children, provide mentorship, direction, guidance, and opportunity for Club members, and go above and beyond your job description. I, along with the selection committee, agree that you have done all of these things and absolutely deserve this title.
As the July Youth Development Professional of the Month, you will receive a write up in the Challenge Newsletter, be featured on social media, receive a certificate, and be able to participate in opportunities that recognize your hard work. Also, please join us at the September Board Meeting for special recognition. I will communicate with you ASAP about date and time.
Also, each month’s winner will be eligible for the Staff of the Year award. This person will be recognized at the Annual Dinner, receive a plaque, and several opportunities to represent the Club as an ambassador. YDP of the Year nominees will participate in an interview process with a panel of judges from the community. This will most likely occur in the month of January. Sample interview questions include: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?, What are three words to describe your personality?, What is your biggest accomplishment at the Club?, How do you ensure that you are upholding the Club’s mission, Code, and Values?, What do you do to give back to your community?, What advice would you have for a new staff beginning at the Club?
Thank you so much for your dedication to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield and the Musgrave Unit! I cannot wait to see all the amazing things you continue to do for our Club members. Please let me know if you have any questions.
February: Alexis Lambeth, Musgrave Unit
March: Alex Benton, Henderson Unit
April: Kevin Orfield, Stalnaker Unit
May: Marcus Bullard, Sertoma Unit
June: Brianne Hawkins, Henderson Unit
July: James McKenzie, Musgrave Unit
Click here for the nomination form.
Click here for an editable copy of the form.
Click here for a sample YDP of the Month Certificate.
Ideas or questions? Subscribe and Submit!