Talking Stick - May/June 2008 - (Page 60)

44 for the Future 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 • 19 • 20 • 21 • 22 • 23 • 24 1. Reading Is Fundamental Set aside a block of time each week that is reserved for reading for professional development. It doesn’t matter if it’s a blog or a book or a journal (but e-mail doesn’t count); the important thing is that the mind is engaged and expanded. Friday afternoons are always a good time to choose since few people are on campus and even fewer are interested in Friday afternoon meetings. 4. Learning Up There are some things that are best learned on the job, particularly as staff members begin the transition to senior-level positions. Take the time to meet with a supervisor and work out arrangements for training in the needed areas, such as budgeting, planning, capital improvements, or strategic planning. Get a seat at the table and see what goes into those big campus decisions. 2. Show Your Support Anyone can head out and enjoy the tailgate parties before the big game. Instead, grab the poster board and pens to make a big sign supporting one of the lesser known campus sporting teams such as volleyball, track, or crew, and head out to the stadium. This is great support for students and residents, helps staff connect positively with students, and increases work/life balance. 5. Time Out Take a night off and spend it with family or friends without talking about work. At all. We are all in the profession because we like to work hard. Take some time off and share yourself with those you are closest to. 6. Connect with Your Inner RA At least once during resident assistant training, drop by a residence hall late in the evening when RAs are in the middle of opening preparation and help out with the simple tasks of getting a building ready for the big day. There can be amazing satisfaction in lying on the lobby ﬂoor making posters and chatting with everyone. It’s only slightly awkward the next day explaining the ink stains on your ﬁngertips. 3. Put Off Procrastination Everyone has that seemingly never-ending list of tasks that are regularly put off when life gets busy. They make us feel guilty, crummy, and ineffective. So, commit to tackling one of those “put-offs” each week, whether it’s organizing a closet, completing that report, or restringing a guitar. No matter what it is, it will feel great to knock down those things that hang overhead. 7. Fresh Baked Thanks Come in early (very early, for some) and bring fresh doughnuts to the housekeeping staff. Then, once a semester, treat them to lunch. This is a fun and excellent way to let the housekeeping staff know that you appreciate all that they do. 60 Talking Stick

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Talking Stick - May/June 2008 Contents Online Now Vision Just In Your ACUHO-I Transitions Res Life Facilities Business Calendar Managing Move-In Madness Strike Up the Brand 44 for the Future There Goes the Neighborhood Academic Communities Conversations First Takes Reporting Out New Members On the Spot

Talking Stick - May/June 2008

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