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Archive for the ‘Staffing’ Category

Are Your Staff Members Too Comfortable?

In my 14 years of being an employer, I have noticed that when employees get too comfortable it can lead to negative experiences in your childcare business. In fact, I must say that from experience, when employees get comfortable, it could lead to licensing violations, inappropriate relationships with parents and many other work place issues.

So take it from me, it is vital that you frequently evaluate the comfort level of your employees and take the necessary steps to keep a spirit of professionalism in your childcare business…not comfort!

I am in no way saying that employees should not enjoy themselves while working in your center, however, I am saying that it is vital that there is a healthy level of professionalism.

How long does it take for an employee to get too comfortable? Well, that really depends on your leadership style and the employee. Let’s take a look at five traits of a comfortable employee;

  1. The employee frequently resists change
  2. The staff member is not seeking to further his or her education
  3. Repeatedly Violates rules or regulations
  4. Crosses professional boundaries with parents, with you and with co-workers
  5. Is not willing to change work schedule or work with a different age group

A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval. ~Mark Twain

Here are three ways to shake up the comfort level and implement strategies that will challenge your staff members to Grow:

1. Every 6-months rotate your employees or change who the employee works with

2. Update policies once a year and hold staff members accountable for following the rules

3. Be sure that you interact with the staff members in a professional manner and set boundaries during the first 90-days of employment.

I look forward to your thoughts about this blog post and feel free to share your experience with employees who have become too comfortable in your child care business.

Shiketa Morgan

Got Employees? You may be interested in the 21-Day Mastermind eClub. Own a Center?  Improve the quality of care  in your center by subscribing to the Quality Child Care Center eClub.

Category:

Employee Management, Staffing

Staff Potlucks Are A Great Way To Create Unity On Your Team

 

Five years ago it seemed to me that I had the worse childcare team ever! In fact, there was gossiping, a lack of teamwork, poor morale and some of the teachers could not stand to work in the same room together.

Moreover, I was getting tired of putting out fires amongst the staff and quite frankly, I was getting tired of all the drama on my team. That’s when I decided to read the following books written by Leadership Guru John Maxwell:

  • The Laws of Teamwork
  • Winning with People

After reading both of those books, I was empowered to build the unity on my team, I developed a zero tolerance for gossip and the Status Quo change to—> Teamwork, Unity and Positive attitudes or work somewhere else!

Also, I decided to hold monthly staff potlucks and this really helped to  create more unity amongst the staff. In fact, I noticed that the team appeared to care for one another and they began to work well together as a team.

If you are not already holding a staff potluck for your team, here is a great way to get started:

  1. Set a date for your potluck
  2. Hold the pot-luck when all staff are able to attend
  3. Create a sign-up sheet to invite all the staff members to bring their favorite dish
  4. Develop a staff code of: “Whatever we discuss at our potluck…stays at the pot-luck.”
  5. As you all enjoy food together, encourage the staff members to share something about themselves or their families. Most importantly, get them to laugh together!

Potlucks are also a great way to informally welcome a new staff member to your team. Be sure to only hold the pot-luck for a minimum of one hour and bring a sign-up sheet for the next pot-luck.

If you are not able to hold a monthly pot-luck, consider holding a potluck at least 4-6 times a years to give the staff a chance to fellowship and get to know one another. Bringing your staff together is a great way to re-build or maintain the unity on your team!

After all….for your peace of mind, it is very important that you promote unity and teamwork. If you are having difficulties managing staff, I have the perfect solution for you:  Download my ebook, The Art of Owning a Center or a copy of The Director’s Handbook.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to

dwell together in unity.

Psalm 133:1

With Your Child Care Business in Mind,

Shiketa

Category:

Employee Management, Staffing

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