Recession Tip: Communicate

12/01/2009

It always seems impossible until it is done.
Nelson Mandela, 1918 – 2013, South African anti-apartheid leader

"Leading a team through tough times calls for open and frequent communication from the top." This is the advice of Alan Tuck in his article, "Outrun the Recession", in Stanford Social Innovation Review (Winter 2010; www.ssireview.org). Even though he was addressing non profit organizations, I think his advice holds to for all early childhood organizations...

"People need to know that their leaders have a handle on the problem, as well as a plan for how to weather or even fix the problem. They want to know where they stand and what the organization's prospects are. They also need to know when and how those prospects change, and what they themselves can do to help.

"In addition, staff members more than ever appreciate small gestures from their leaders, such as frequent praise when they redouble efforts or tighten belts. Staff members may also welcome extra help on the front line from their leaders. They admire and trust not just strategic commitment, but operation commitment."

A Tool Kit for Managers

Exchange has packaged six of its practical management resources into a single “Manager’s Tool Kit” and is offering the entire set at a 33% discount — separately these resources would cost $175, but we are offering the entire Manager’s Tool Kit for only $112. Resources in the kit include:

The Art of Leadership: Managing Early Childhood Organizations
Managing Money: A Center Director’s Guidebook
Beginnings Workshops Book #8 — Professionalism
250 Management Success Stories from Child Care Directors
Developing Capable, Creative Teachers CD Book
Leading People in Early Childhood Settings CD Book

Certificate in Child Care Administration offered by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

6 courses, 18 credits
meets standards for program accreditation
graduate & undergraduate degree pathways

sce-earlychildhood.uwm.edu

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For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.