EXCHANGING IDEAS

Thanks to Gordon Henry, University of North Dakota, for this compilation of ideas for staff development...

• Institute weekly staff meetings and team leader meetings.
• Training for credit in software area.
• Adjustment facilitating while still employed.
• Establish recognition system where employees pass a star onto anyone who should be recognized.
• Passing of a warm fuzzy onto someone in need.
• Management focus group.
• Focus groups for particular areas of responsibility.
• Brainstorming sessions.
• Customer service training for front line staff.
• Inform staff when they have done something extra-ordinary followed up with a dinner.
• Special events committee for outside activity.
• Bring in outside expert.
• Require one hour a week as a fun hour for personal use.
• Office T-shirt.
• Bring in baby pictures and identify respective staff members.
• Have theme days.
• Involve staff in procedure writing.
• Anniversary balloons.
• Frame thank you's and hang in office.
• Institute Employee of the Month, receives certificate and letter explaining why selected. Give ½ day off.
• Staff members take Myers-Briggs test to help identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Institute and develop a wellness program. Allow staff 90 minutes per week for self improvement.
• Close office for one hour lunch and have a party.
• Pat on the back awards-read off at staff meetings; Presidential awards -monetary. For duties performed beyond the scope of position.
• Develop a committee that staff can voice their opinions and suggestions to and give this committee the power for positive change.
• Institute meetings with other departments and share ideas, problems, goals.
• Send cards, flowers, and small gifts for jobs well done.
• Give staff a day off on their birthdays.
• Do a yearly retreat for student service personnel.
• Have staff Christmas parties.
• Let everyone go to some type of function.
• Dress up for Halloween.
• Staff is asked to give input and restructure job duties for new replacements.
• Annual event where all Student Affairs offices close in afternoon for training and get to know one another.
• Have a monthly luncheon where we eat together and discuss one hot topic.
• Request input for staff on major memos before the final copy.