Dr. Susan Schulz

Janet, Very interesting. Yes, budgeting is critical.This includes goals for making money and saving money. Maybe recognition should be given to staff who not only keep within budget but do so creatively (and of course ethically.) Perhaps we should motivate them to say when too much funding is allotted or too little. It's the people in the ranks who really have a lot of information and it is important to get them to share. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Janet, This is great Janet. Now how will you measure them on the "excel" and outstanding go beyond expectations metric? Maybe we should let our staff know that we see them as a source of innovation and creative problem solving and measure and reward them on that basis also. And build that into a job description. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

MIRIAM, Good point. It is all about the budget. First a reasonable budget has to be put in place. Then the budget has to be watched to be sure you are not overspending. Then your team has to review income and expenditures to decide how to stay on track and how to deal with budgetary surprises. thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

MIRIAM, We agree. Each employee needs to know the mission of their job. Why are they doing what they are doing and how does it fit into the organization goals? We think that prioritizing is also essential. Each person on staff has to understand what is a priority in terms of what has to get done each day. Most important, your staff needs to know to put the student first. As in every business - it is all about customer service. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

MIRIAM, You make a good point. What if you have limited personnel because of budget limitations? The goal is to get everyone working towards the same goals. And motivate your staff to perform multiple tasks and become cross trained. If all personnel are excited and motivated they will be able to see that their efforts can yield great results. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

MIRIAM, Interesting question about increasing enrollment. Sometimes we look for more ways to spend money. But what if you can increase qualified enrollment through word of mouth? That doesn't cost a lot. It does require a focus on student success. When students are happy and successful they will want to tell their friends and family about your school. Maybe they will even tell their employers that your school is a great place to train staff. Then you can reduce your marketing budget! Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

MIRIAM, Yes, running a successful institution or any enterprise requires a plan. The plan can be modified based on results along the way. That is why it is important to build in "how are we doing" measurements. Information from surveys, observations, and other data help make improvements. When everyone understand the plan they will all work towards reaching your goals. thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Tom, Exactly our thoughts, Tom. The reason for attending a career school is to get a career. That is why we feel employment skills training has to start on day one. Yes, placement is very exciting and enticing - good way to put it. Students not only need the skills, but also the self confidence. Confidence building takes time. That's the reason to start on day one - or even during the admissions interview. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Janet, Great to keep student satisfaction as the main goal. Can't go wrong with that. Also cross training is an excellent idea as well. That means everyone can fill in when needed and also appreciate the challenges of the other person's job. Team work is always a great benchmark. Many schools find that Alumni are a great source of free talent. Ask them to assist with enrollment, in the classroom, with students, and coach grads so they can enter the workplace successfully. Great ideas. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Janet, We think the goal of all brainstorming type sessions and meetings is to set the tone of openness. That means that every idea is great. But not always great for right now. The goal is not to rate the idea but rather see if it is feasible right now. Or can it be tweaked so that it meets budget and other constraints. If you create any limitations or negatives that will almost immediately reduce or eliminate the incentive for anyone to share or come up with good ideas. Just a thought. Susan Dr. Susan Schulz