John, Inter-departmental relationships are so important for customer service. What other benefits have you found that come from these kinds of relationships?
Dr. Jean Norris
Invite colleagues to attend a department function.
In my department our Program Director is an excellent example of great leadership. She makes herself available for any department that needs any assistance. This has built inter-departmental relationships that instill great teamwork and morale.
Patricia, That is such a great approach! How do the students react this internal behavior?
Dr. Jean Norris
Andrew, That is such great awareness! What is your plan for getting to know your colleagues better?
Dr. Jean Norris
Elizabeth, That's a great approach. What takes place during the one-on-one meetings?
Dr. Jean Norris
Linh, That seems to be a great idea! What are some other things that are done to provide service to each other?
Dr. Jean Norris
Helena, That's great. What specifically does your school do?
Dr. Jean Norris
Andrea, Those are great suggestions! What can you do to help implement these ideas?
Dr. Jean Norris
Grace, That is a great perspective. What are some of the things you do to get to know your colleagues?
Dr. Jean Norris
Our department has an exfcellent relationship with the other departments on campus. We believe that we are not onlyt one team in education that remains available to help each other, we are also a members of the college team and make areselves avaialble to all staff from all departments and help where needed. We never say "it's not my job"
I personally need to provide better service to fellow employees. As a part time instructor I still haven't taken the time to get to know the other instructors and staff at our institution to see if/how I can work with them.
Improvment on one on one meetings with internal customers creates a more personal "we care about you" environment.
At our school, we have instructor notebooks with wewkly notes regarding students/clinic questions that arise which the instructors all have access to for better communication with each other, as different instructors are in different clinic sessions with students. One instructor may not be able to physically communicate to another about what happened in his/her clinic session that day so the clinic notebook helps us to "communicate" with each other. This has been very helpful.
Our school does a wonderful job recognizing individual accomplishments as well as department achievements.
This is an area we can improve. As a satellite program, we work with department staff and leadership from another campus. I believe that meeting these coworkers in person and having more collaborative experiences would improve the overall working environment. Staff meetings, open dialogue, and recognition of staff/team accomplishments can improve internal customer service and boost department morale.
My co-workers are very important to me. I treat them as my brothers and sisters. Sometimes we may come into some disagreements but I still treat them with respect and never to talk behind their back. It's important to keep a good relationship with my colleague. By knowing their dislikes and likes through monthly get together or office meetings we will be able to work together as a team--less conflict.
Thank you for sharing, Mary. Your enthusiasm is contagious!
Dr. Jean Norris
It is one of highest priority for me, to contribute to healthy function of a work team!
Mary, Agreed! Everyone needs to be on the same page, and clear communication can help direct that.
Dr. Jean Norris
