Sweet sampling

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Today was a bad day for everyone’s diets – the staff “Sweet Sampling” day. Human Resources organized the annual parade of holiday sweets. People brought in a sample of  the holiday goodies they are making, and we copied recipes to share. Throughout the day, when people had breaks, they got to sample and nibble on the goodies. All the staff got a holiday curio and we had some fun door prizes as well. I had a lot of discipline and only tried three small samples. But when I got back to my office, I found that one of our ambitious and delicious bakers had dropped off a separate plate just for me, and my resolve melted!

Over the lunch hour, we met with the supervisors from all the different departments on campus. Together we went through a training on how to deal with employees with bad attitudes. (Not that we’d ever have that problem here!!) What was reinforced to me is that we can’t really change an attitude, but we can expect a change in behavior. I can’t tell people what to think or how they should feel, but if they disrespect others or cause tensions in the workplace I have to address that as a supervisor, because that brings everyone down.

On a positive note, I finished up all the staff Christmas cards and turned them into the business office so they can go out with the Christmas bonus. As I write them out, I realize that we have so many great folks who work hard for the good of our students, and show such support to their co-workers.

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future. View all posts by St. Joseph's Indian School