Monday, April 16, 2012

#12 - Interviews with Lead Secretary and Head Custodian


Interview with Leslie Taborn, school custodian at DPA, 
October 27th, 2011.

How long have you been in this position? I have been the schools custodian for 4 ½ years.

How do you view your role at our school? I feel that I’m a vital asset as a link in the chain to help keep the flow of the school running smoothly on the operational side of the school.

What is the most challenging part of your day? Between 10:30 a.m. and 1p.m. is the busiest time, that’s when the lunch program is running. I have a lot more work sweeping, getting supplies, bathrooms, taking out garbage, mopping up kitchen and some days cleaning up after sick kids.

  What elements of your job give you the most satisfaction? The children smiling and receiving, hellos from teachers and staff. I have to say I get satisfaction when I complete repairs on the building.

Are there any elements of your position you’d like to share? I’m a musician and I like kids.

 What do you feel that Administration improve on to make the school better?  I would like to see better communication from them to the children on keeping the school clean. Our students are under par compared to other school. This is from his observations and what he has been told.

Leslie Tarbon has since moved to a new position in the NHA Company as a utility man.




 
Interview with Desiree Hoy, secretary at DPA, 
March 23rd, 2012

How long have you been at DPA?   I have been working at Detroit Premier for 11 months.

How do you view your role at our school?  I believe I play a big part in keeping our school organized.

What previous training for this job has been the most valuable?  My customer service training allows me to help people here with patience and professionalism.

Do you feel that you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the children at this school?  How?  I feel like if I keep improving myself I can be someone that the students can look up to and admire. Therefore, giving them the motivation and drive they need to want to succeed and meet their goals.

What elements of your job prepare you for upward mobility/promotion?  Well, by helping others I have learned a lot about each person’s job which makes me feel as though I am capable of anything. If I was interested in upward mobility in this company I would need to choose a different field of study.

In terms of upward mobility, what position would be your next step?  (i.e., promotion)  If was interested in being an Educator I could change my major and there would be a next step in this company for me. Other than that there are no opportunities for advancement or mobility.

What percentage of your role is public interaction and how critical is that to the success in your position?  I would have to say at least 55% percent of my job has to do with public interaction. It is critical to be a people person and give a welcoming attitude here at Detroit Premier, as it is at most jobs.

What is the most challenging part of your day?  Usually towards the end of the day it gets busy which means there is a lot of multi-tasking.

What elements of your job give you the most satisfaction?  Knowing that I helped someone quick and efficiently makes me feel good.

Are there any other elements of your position you’d like to share?  I would like to share that as a fairly young person this job has taught me a lot and, it’s definitely given me the tools I need to succeed at many different. It’s been a great learning experience for me. 


 
Reflection

 I feel that the philosophy of how a building administrator should effective communication with staff would include the imparting or exchanging of information and the sharing of ideas or feelings.  Communication is effective when it reflects the "7 Cs" of good communication: completeness, conciseness, consideration, concreteness, clearness, courteousness, and correctness. Beyond its practical function of serving as the exchange of information, viewpoints and feedback, communication also serves a strategic purpose.  A building administrator who uses good communication can increase employee engagement in, or commitment to, their jobs and the success of the school. Good communication within the organization can foster a sense of transparency in the workplace, trust and respect between employees and administrators, and a culture of open dialog that helps employees feel they have a voice in the school and an important role in its success.

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