The Value of Follow Through

11/05/2007

It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself.
Eleanor Roosevelt

In the Exchange article, "Who Made Me Boss? Eight Tips for Supervisors," in Exchange Article Collection #5 - Staff Supervision, Gigi Taylor Schweikert offers this advice on following through...

"I think supervisors with the greatest credibility are not only honest, but follow through on what they promise. Child care is a busy world and no matter how well your 'To Do List' is scripted, the events of the day will rewrite your list and priorities. State licensing always shows up on the day the oven breaks and you're stuck making 200 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, a gerbil is on the loose somewhere in the building, and your entire afternoon staff is going to be 'a little late.'

So how do you follow through? Develop clear, realistic expectations of yourself. Stick to policy, but be open to policy change. Don't waiver on consequences when an employee neglects responsibility. If you request curriculum plans to be turned in every Thursday, then stick to it. And if you promised to make comments and return the plans, then do it.

"Sometimes following through after a very busy day is just a call to say, 'I promised to get back to you this afternoon about your concern. I will have to meet with you tomorrow.' If you find you're failing to follow through often, reexamine your expectations and those put upon you by staff. It's okay to say to an employee, 'I know this project is important to you and I can discuss it next week.' You don't have to make every decision when someone grabs you in the hall."

More Great Ideas for Supervisors on Sale!

Exchange Article Collection #5 - Staff Supervision is included in the Manager's Tool Kit that is on sale on our web site. Also included in the kit are...

* The Art of Leadership: Managing Early Childhood Organizations
* Managing Money: A Center Director’s Guidebook
* Stick Your Neck Out — A Street-Smart Guide to Creating Change in Your Community and Beyond
* 250 Management Success Stories from Child Care Directors
* Exchange Article CD Collection #9: Taking Stock — Evaluation Tools for Program, Teacher, and Director
* Exchange Article CD Collection #5: Supervising Staff

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For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.