Changing/Improving School Culture
How do you help improve the culture at a school to a more open, supportive enviroment as a new employee? It is often hard to create change with staff who are "set in their ways" and aren't open to necessary change to show our students we are a caring enviroment, not just a business.
Students Relations Department Staff
Marketing Director
School Principle
Other Faculty.
Our goals are set at the beginning of each semester to improve our services.
We let the faculty know that their input is very important to us so we listen to each instructor, staff and director to create a "wish list" at the beginning of each year.
Ex: Wish list for Students Relations Department
1)- Media improvement:
Add 2 new computer for students.
Add 2 more CD Players
Add wireless Internet Access.
Auditions net service.
2) Field Trips: Recording Studio/
Clearwater Jazz Festival - VIP passes for students. Invite artists from Festival to Lecture at school.
3) Guest Artists - Tentative list.
All these are look into and then, the next step is to select a make a more formal proposal, with an study of all the resources available to that department.
Vicky, could you be more specific please? Who is involved with the meetings? What sort of goals are you talking about? How do you encourage faculty and staff to share and participate with new ideas?
We schedule meetings often to set goals and schedule follow ups that support our mission and commitment to the students success. Our follow up meetings are essential to evaluate the results of our plans.We encorage the faculty and staff to share and participate with new ideas to update and improve our methods and culture.
Please share more details about your experience. How did you use honesty to create positive change?
People have been dealing with these questions for centuries and each situation is different. However, leadership by example is one way to demonstrate what you believe is appropriate behavior. Volunteering to participate in change initiatives is another way that you can get involved.
As a last resort, you have to realize that you may not be able to dictate change in other staff members. Find ways to work around their negatives in the short term while trying to find support from the school's leadership in the long run.
Great question. I,ve found myself in this same place. I believe that honesty is the best way & from the heart.
