Administrative practices do affect teacher morale, according to a study conducted by Phi Delta Kappa. This handbook describes the study and its findings, presents a review of the relevant literature, and proposes specific methods administrators can use to improve staff morale. The book's first chapter describes the study's objectives: to identify the characteristics of school systems successful in achieving or maintaining high morale, to identify instruments useful for morale evaluation, and to produce a handbook of useful practices. The chapter also describes the study methodology, which involved a literature review, a survey of 315 schools nationally, case studies of 10 selected schools, and analysis of the findings. The second chapter examines and synthesizes information from the literature review. Chapter 3 compares high morale schools with low morale schools. The fourth chapter provides an action plan for administrators that takes into account the relationship between morale and leadership, interpersonal relationships, rewards, workload, control mechanisms, professional development opportunities, and other factors. A diagnostic instrument for assessing leaders' strengths and weaknesses is provided in the fifth chapter, and the sixth presents 12 brief rules for administrators. References and an additional assessment tool are also supplied. (PGD)

Rather than explain the power of recognition in a typical business book, acclaimed CEO David Novak wrote a fun story that draws on his real-world experiences at Pepsi and Yum! Brands, as well as his personal life. When was the last time you told your colleagues how much you value them? It sounds like a trivial thing in the middle of a busy work day. But as Novak discovered during his years as a hard charging executive, there’s nothing trivial about recognition. It can make a life-or-death difference to any organization, when people see that someone important really notices and appreciates their contributions. The story of O Great One! opens when Jeff Johnson becomes the third-generation CEO of his family business, after the sudden death of his father. The Happy Face Toy Company had many hits in the 1950s and 60s, including Crazy Paste, but its results have been declining for more than a decade. The board has given Jeff just one year to turn the business around, or else they’ll have to sell it to the highest bidder. As Jeff races to save his family’s legacy by getting the company back on track, he meets downtrodden factory workers and an uninspired executive team. Then a birthday gift from his grandson gives Jeff an important insight into why Happy Face lost its culture of innovation and excitement, along with its profitability. He comes up with an idea that seems crazy… But is it crazy enough to work? Whether you’re trying to lead a small department, a Fortune 500 company, a non-profit, or your own family, the story and lessons of O Great One! can help you make everyone around you happier and more effective.

Like the best-selling first edition, this book is filled with strategies to motivate your staff and maintain a high level of energy at your school. This guide will help all educators approach work every day in an enthusiastic, focused, and positive state of mind. This book will help you: -Motivate your faculty with the Friday Focus--a staff memo that works! -Understand the power of praise and how to best utilize it every day -Make sure staff meetings, teacher evaluation, and daily activities raise the energy level in your school -Maximize the holidays, open house nights, and other special events the make your staff feel special

This state-of-the-art handbook approaches the topics of hospitality strategy with an emphasis on immediate application of ideas to current practice. Top hospitality scholars make original contributions with the inclusion of senior level executives input, insights and current best practices. By incorporating the latest research and thinking on various strategic topics with the commentary and insights of successful executives this handbook blends cutting edge ideas and comprehensive reviews of the subject with innovative illustrations and examples from practice. The strength of the handbook is its combination of academic rigour and hospitality application. The handbook will have a clear reference orientation and focus on key topical issues and problem of interest to practitioners and advanced students of hospitality strategy.