Energizing Your Staff

06/10/2004

"Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing." - Abraham Lincoln

Energizing Your Staff

In the January 1998 issue of Child Care Information Exchange, Karen Stephens offers 36 ideas for motivating staff. Here are a few of these ideas:

* Include staff in community meetings whenever possible. Introduce them, with title, to movers and shakers in attendance. Recognize staff at appropriate events, such as program dedication ceremonies or other public functions.

* Send staff's hometown newspapers press releases, such as announcements of your program's accreditation.

* Recognize and utilize each staff member's unique talents. I have a teacher with a strong background in physical education. I turn to her for recommendations on new gross motor equipment; she knows I count on her expertise. Another teacher is a wizard with children's computer programs. She's our leader when purchasing decisions are made. AND she gets a subscription to a newsletter on children's software so her input can be well informed.

* Provide one-on-one mentoring when possible. If not, try to find a mentor to fit a staff member's needs. Is a teacher having trouble arranging his environment? Help him with new arrangements or ask for another staff member's expertise.

* Make copies of complimentary letters from parents for staff keepsakes.

* Compliment staff when they participate in wellness and stress management programs. Literally, they deserve a pat on the back for staying healthy!

* Provide staff time to observe other programs. Mutually decide with staff where they'll observe, why, and when. Arrange for substitutes so staff can leave without burdening those left with the kids.

* Once a year, take a fun and interesting retreat or staff trip together. Visit an outstanding children's museum or go to hear a famous children's author speak. Staff will appreciate the time you take to facilitate and organize their enjoyment.

* Occasionally surprise teachers with helpful supplies that are tools of the trade. This could be a big-ticket item, like a laminating machine. But most likely your budget will better afford something simple, like notepads with motivational sayings. "To teach is to touch the future" is a perennial favorite.

Stephens' 36 ideas are included in an article on the Exchange Articles on CD -- Collection #5: Supervising Staff, with 20 classic Exchange articles. To learn more about, or to order this Collection, go to http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/0212.

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