Oct 27th Week 5: Think Like a Business Owner

Walk a day in my shoes… Have you ever wanted someone to understand just an inkling of what you do every day? Have you thought that if they just did your job for a few days, they’d have a greater appreciation for what you do?

This particular lesson asked us to think like a business owner. While it may be difficult to think of CBC as a business, it is. We struggle through the same ups and downs as other businesses. Our funding from the state is totally driven by our FTEs so it is highly affected by how well we recruit students and retain them. I can assure you that upper level administration is keenly aware of our numbers and understands very well that how we present ourselves to prospective and current students, parents, high school staff, and employers has a major effect on our FTEs. Each of us shares in the responsibility of presenting a positive image of CBC.

I also challenge you to walk a mile in your supervisor’s and other Student Services administrators’ shoes. We, too, are faced with difficulties in our work and with not only the normal stresses of work but with the extra responsibilities and expectations of our positions. Recognize that tough decisions sometimes must be made and that we work hard to balance your interests and the needs of the College. And just as I’ve asked each of you to let your fellow staff members know that you appreciate the work they do, don’t forget to say thank you to your supervisors and other administrators for their efforts. It will be greatly appreciated.
Take a moment to evaluate situations through managements eyes.

TIK & TAK
After considerable thought and analysis, the office supervisor decided to change a particular office procedure that had been around for a number of years. In the supervisor’s view, the procedure was cumbersome and required students to jump through too many hoops. The procedure had become a barrier to students rather than a help. When the supervisor asked the department staff to consider how they might address the change, Tak could hardly contain herself. “Why is it that we always cut students slack but not our own staff?” Explanation from the supervisor about the reasons for the change did not appease Tak and, when the change went into effect the next quarter, Tak begrudgingly followed orders.

Tik also was a little concerned when the supervisor announced the change. She remembered that something like this had been tried before and wasn’t particularly successful. But, she reasoned that it was a number of years ago and now the department had different personnel, served a different demographic, and had more support from administration. Nonetheless, she was apprehensive about the change. She made an appointment with the supervisor to better understand what the factors were that led to the supervisor’s decision. In the process, she learned more about the workings of the college and she took an active role in not only implementing the change but in gathering data to assess its impact.