Managing by Wandering Around

05/27/2008

Intrinsic motivation is conducive to creativity; controlling extrinsic motivation is detrimental to creativity.
Daniel H. Pink

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.

Early Bird Rate About to Expire for Multi-Site Working Forum

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.

Motivate Teachers

We've posted 30 questions you can incorporate into a fun team building activity with your staff. Have staff members answer one question per staff meeting as an icebreaker or ask them to interview one another and introduce each other using the information they discovered.

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