How to Build Staff Morale
School Morale and Student Academic Achievement
When issues of staff morale affects the functionality of an organization, they should be addressed and managed using clear steps,best practices and plan of action.
Staff morale is extremely important to the functioning of schools.If not managed carefully, can be the detriment of any institution.
The Challenge
Many teachers over time are frustrated with the low morale of schools and seek support from colleagues. Morale is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as “The state of the spirits of a person or group as exhibited by confidence, cheerfulness, discipline, and willingness to perform assigned tasks”. A person or a group with opposite behavioral trait are frequently classified as exhibiting low morale .
When this happens, teachers frequently resort to a “comrade “. The comrade may or not agree with the grumble, may proceed to add fuel, or dismiss the complaint. While, these issues should be addressed with the school administrators, most teachers are unwilling due to past or current sense of being undervalued. Administrators can solve these challenges by managing the conflicts as they unfold.
Faculty Gossip
Furthermore, although it’s reasonable for faculty members to discuss school business among themselves, it crosses the line when a conversation held in confidence, is retold to a colleague not directly involved, then revisited during lunch in the faculty dining room. Frustration is inevitable when staff members believe they are underrated and unappreciated. These types of behavior frequently result in incompatible personality conflicts, diminished work ethics, organizational malfunction and ultimately low student achievement.
Action Plan
It is nearly impossible for administrators to be aware of every personal issue that exist within their domain. However, when the problem affects the functionality of the organization, it should be addressed and managed using the following seven steps according to Snowden & Gorton (2002).
- Examine how the organizational vision is impacted by the conflict, and list the steps needed for realignment.
- Identify the formal and informal leaders of the initiative, and show how the conflict is affecting them.
- Examine the situation and identify the participants and their roles.
- Develop strategies that will modify the affected processes and procedures of the organizations into greater alignment with its vision.
- Determine how the organization culture and history impact on the initiatives and their effect on the conflict.
- Factor the results of step 1-5 into an implementation plan.
- Establish a monitoring and evaluation process.
While these guidelines are not mutually exclusive, they are proven to be effective collaborative problem solving techniques when dealing with school climate and low morale issues. By working through the dynamics of these issues caringly instead of impulsively, solutions can be garnered, making sense of the issues in an organized fashion with developed and useful action plans. Building staff morale can make a weighty situation improved, and a great condition grand.
Reference
Snowden, P.E. & Gorton, R .A. School Leadership and Administration: Important concepts, case studies, & simulations (6th Ed). McGraw Hill, New York. 1998.
