Negative motivators like threats, intimidation, criticism, denigration, the withholding of information, and the exercise of power produce temporary results but engender resentment and close the door of communication. Good leaders use positive motivators to meet people's needs, enhance efficiency, and improve working relationships. Some of these…

The symptoms of stress are outlined; misconceptions about stress and techniques used in stress management are discussed; and managers' role in stress management is explained. (MLF)

A management formula designed to identify employees who may be abusing sick leave privileges was applied in the maintenance and operations section of a California school district. Absenteeism was substantially reduced. (Author/MLF)

The key to the success of the Marriott Corporation is its emphasis on employee satisfaction and training. Because it is a service industry, the Marriott Corporation relies on the quality of the contact between its employees and its customers. Education is also a service industry in which this contact is vitally important. Some ingredients of…

Exit interviews are invaluable devices for obtaining feedback on schools and staff relations, handling important administrative details, and turning departing teachers into school ambassadors. This article discusses several basic steps for enhancing oral and written interviews. An inset offers sample questions. (MLH)

A nationwide survey of superintendents' use of and attitudes toward contract services revealed that contracting can, but does not always, relieve worries about facilities, labor, and investments. Superintendents recommended strategies for dealing with contract employees to achieve cost and time savings and improved school personnel relations. (CJH)

The important role of academic department secretaries at institutions of higher education is considered in the context of a survey of 121 academic department support staff. Possible strategies for retaining these valuable employees are offered, including accurate position descriptions, appropriate compensation, team-building programs, and special…

Learning to interact positively with personality-challenged individuals will result in a more productive work and home life. A behavioral-styles model, and the effect of conflict on the personality types in the model, are displayed in figures and text. Case studies demonstrate successful interaction strategies. (MLF)

This handbook provides seven hours of training in human relations skills for employers and social workers dealing with transitional black women (the population of women who are underemployed, unemployed, undereducated, poor, or unaware of educational or occupational opportunities available to them). The workshops are designed to allow employers…

Quality circles, in which a small group of employees meet frequently and voluntarily to study on-the-job problems and suggest solutions and improvements to the administration, which agrees to consider them, are a growing phenomenon, particularly in community colleges. (MSE)

This booklet presents information to help guide college and university administrators in properly (legally) handling those situations in which employees reveal evidence of fraud, abuse, or other illegal activity occurring within the school. Part I describes in general terms the whistleblower protection provisions found in various federal statutes…

This brochure was developed by the West Virginia Project for the Elimination of Sex Discrimination to inform boards of education, school administrators, and other supervisory staff that sexual harassment in educational institutions is not simply inappropriate behavior. It is against the law. This document provides information to assist the state…

Suggestions for motivating institutional advancement staff at colleges and universities include nonfinancial motivators (such as appreciation, team building, empowerment, professional development opportunities, flexibility, and formal recognition) and financial rewards (such as bonuses and merit pay). (DB)

After specifying dimensions of negative emotion associated with child care program and staff evaluation, this discussion describes three aspects of a complete evaluation process: communication climate, evaluation tools, and procedures for evaluation. It is asserted that creating a trusting atmosphere is the key to effective evaluation;…

In January 1986, the Learning Resource Center (LRC) of New River Community College in Virginia initiated efforts to increase the level, quality, responsiveness, and adaptability of LRC services. Central to these efforts was an emphasis on employee involvement and empowerment intended to create an atmosphere of trust and teamwork; enhance employee…