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