This week we addressed the topic of adding professionalism guidelines with our faculty and staff around the use of social networks such as Facebook. We also had the privilege of working with Dance Teacher Magazine on a upcoming issue on this very topic. It was actually a great conversation that Kathy and I had on the differences between employee job descriptions and employee professionalism guidelines.

At our studio we continually revise and revisit our expectations with our faculty and staff because it keeps the lines of communication open and gives a structure for managing the business.

Whether you are a one-person operation or have many faculty and staff at your dance studio, it's a great idea to put guidelines, expectations and other performance related responsibilities in writing.

This week's tip: Create an employee professionalism checklist or guidelines that help you communicate expectations in a way that has your dance studio run efficiently and effectively.

Here are some areas to consider and some examples; ultimately what you include is up to you and what resonates with your leadership and management philosophy. Let us know what you would also add, you can post your comments on our facebook fan page listed at the end. We love hearing from our readers.

Timeliness: Please arrive to the studio prepared for class 15 minutes prior to the start of class, call if you are not going to be on time.

Facility: Please follow all facility guidelines and procedures as it relates to opening or closing the classroom, the studio, or faculty lounges.

Demeanor: Smile, greet the parents, be welcoming, say hello, give positive praise. Be personable.

Parent/Student Concerns: Never discuss a student issue with a student. Never discuss any issue in the waiting room. Always set up meeting for another time. Encourage parents to us a parent concern form. Respect people's privacy.

Safety Rules for classrooms & studio: Have clearly established safety rules: no running in class, no hanging on barres, etc. What drop off and pick up safety systems need to be in place?

Dress Code: Will you require a dress code for faculty? Is it acceptable if the dress is appropriate within the genre? Are you maintaining professionalism?

Professionalism (some of these seem very obvious...but are still important!): No chewing gum, no cell phones/text messaging in class, no eating in class. If your studio can only communicate by cell phone put it on vibrate. No swearing. No gossip. Go to someone who can do something that can do something about it. Do not speak ill of another studio or teacher. Do not share personal stories, except for those that are appropriate and relevant. Use discretion whenever possible!

What else have you found to be important to include? What problems do you have with managing and monitoring these areas? Let us know, post your questions and comments here: http://www.facebook.com/DanceStudioOwner

Dance Teacher Talk Spot: H1N1 and your dance school

DeAnne Boegli's Dance Teacher Talk Spot is a great resource for dance teachers. DeAnne is both a dance teacher and owner of Releve Dance Posters, I've had a chance to get to know her recently, and wanted to share this with you so that you had another source of helpful information.

"H1N1 presents many challenges for dance teachers. We have all had ill children attend class from time to time. Stuffy, runny noses are normal in the dead of winter... So, how can we control the spread of H1N1?"

Read the full blog post here: http://tinyurl.com/dtbsh1n1