We continue our reflections on 10 Ways to Build a Positive Working Environment....
6. Give Credit and Take Responsibility
Always give credit for success to your staff, and take responsibility when things don't go well. As the boss it's your job to make sure your staff is well trained, capable and competent. If for some reason they fail to perform their job in the expected manner, it's your responsibility to insure that they receive further direction and training so they will perform up to standards.
This can be a tough one sometimes. To swallow one's pride and take the blame when it really wasn't your fault can be challenging but it is also the mark of a mature leader. So doing takes the emphasis away from spending time on the often futile practice of trying to figure out who caused it to go wrong and shift attention toward next steps.
Reflect on ways to give credit to your team....
One way that I've given credit to my team is to refer team members to other team members. For example- when reviewing sub folders I might find that Mrs. Kane has an awesome sub binder. If another person on my team needs to work on their folder, I write a little note on the bottom of their monitoring form-" Mrs. Kane has some really great ideas on how to organize a sub binder. Check with her- I'm sure she would love to share some ideas with you."
ReplyDeleteMy hope would be that the team member will take responsibility for seeking out ways to improve their work, Mrs. Kane would receive credit for doing a great job, and we are functioning as a team- as opposed to everyone seeing me as the only resource.
Ellen that's a great example and I think you're right that developing each team member as a resource is important. Not only does that practice ensure that your team could function without you if you had to be absent for an extended period but I think it really contributes to camaraderie and helps the overall school culture to be a positive and supportive environment.
DeleteIf someone has an idea about something, during a meeting I refer to that person to speak, not me. That way they get credit, as is deserved. Also, if I ask someone to make a worksheet, power point, I let them send it out through email, its their work, they should be the one to hand it out.
ReplyDeleteGreat leadership begins with looking at yourself - who you are and what you stand for. http://www.blanchardinternational.co.in/
ReplyDelete