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Terrie Buckner wants directors to get out of their offices and start wandering about the center to get a first-hand look at what is happening. In her Exchange article, "Is Managing by Wandering Around Still Relevant?" she offers these few tips to getting started managing by wandering around:

• Wander around often, even daily if you can, but at the very least once a week. It reveals your interest in your people and your clients, and it says you don’t consider yourself ‘too good’ to spend time with them.


• Vary the time that you walk around so you experience all parts of the day.


• Relax as you make your rounds; people will reflect your feelings and actions.


• Remain open and responsive to questions and concerns.


• Observe and listen and let everyone see you do it.


• Talk with employees about their passions, whether it is family, hobbies, vacations, or sports.


• Ask for suggestions to improve operations, service, and care.


• Try to spend an equal amount of time in all areas of your program including the kitchen and the bus.


• Catch your employees doing something right and recognize them publicly.


• Convey the image of a coach, not an inspector.


• Encourage your employees to show you how the real work gets done; try it yourself — read a story, serve a snack, or change a diaper.


• Be available for impromptu discussions.


• Bring good news — give them the good news, increase their confidence, and brighten their outlook.

Buckner's full article is available in the Exchange Ideas for You — FREE section on the home page of www.ChildCareExchange.com.

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The Early Bird Rate will expire in four days for Growing with Integrity: Working Forum on Managing Performance in Multi-Site Early Childhood Organizations taking place in Lihue, Hawaii on October 22 - 24, 2008. This Working Forum is designed for leaders in programs providing services for young children in multiple locations anywhere in the world. Leaders from non profit, for profit, and government/community-operated organizations operating anywhere from 5 to 2,000 sites will find this a valuable experience.

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