Page 46 - AASBO EDGE Summer 2023 WEB
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FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
BY TYLER MOORE
Importance of Being a Team Player
Tyler Moore
As a school business official, I understand the goal. Instead of making decisions in isolation, they
importance of having a team player mindset and seek input from others and value the perspectives and
providing excellent customer service. Whether needs of their colleagues. This ultimately creates a
working with colleagues, students, or parents, it's more positive and effective work environment, and
essential to prioritize collaboration and positive helps to support student success.
communication in order to create a supportive and In addition to being a team player, having a customer
effective work environment. service mindset is crucial for anyone working in a
Being a team player means being willing to work school environment. This means prioritizing the
with others to achieve a common goal. In a school needs and satisfaction of students, parents, and
setting, this might mean collaborating with other other stakeholders in all interactions. Whether it's
departments or staff members to plan events or answering a phone call or responding to an email,
initiatives. It could even mean working together to every interaction is an opportunity to provide
solve problems that impact the school community. excellent customer service and create a positive
A team player is someone who is flexible, open- experience for the person on the other end.
minded, and willing to take on new challenges in Having a customer service mindset means being
order to help the team succeed. responsive, courteous, and helpful at all times. It
Imagine a school business official who is responsible means taking the time to listen to concerns, provide
for managing the budget for their school district. accurate information, and follow through on
They have a team of administrators who work with commitments. By focusing on providing excellent
them to ensure that the budget is balanced and that customer service, we can build trust and loyalty
funds are allocated appropriately to support student with students, parents, and other stakeholders, and
learning. ultimately create a more positive and effective
One day, the business official receives a request from school community.
a school principal who needs additional funding for In a school setting, being a team player and having
a program that will benefit their students. However, a customer service mindset go hand in hand. By
the budget is already tight, and there isn't much working collaboratively with others and prioritizing
room for additional expenses. The business official the needs of stakeholders, we can create a culture
could simply deny the request and move on, but of support and excellence that benefits everyone.
instead, they take a team player approach. Whether it's planning events, managing finances,
The business official reaches out to the principal and or supporting student success, every member
explains the budget constraints, but also takes the of the school community has a role to play in
time to understand the importance of the program creating a positive and effective environment. By
and its potential impact on students. Together, they prioritizing teamwork and customer service, we can
brainstorm alternative funding sources and work to all contribute to the success of our schools and the
find a creative solution that meets the needs of the students they serve.
program while staying within the budget.
By taking a team player approach, the business Tyler Moore, AASBO Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer,
Higley Unified School District #60,
official demonstrates a willingness to work
collaboratively with others to achieve a common can be reached at: tyler.moore@husd.org or (480) 279-7045.
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46 THE EDGE SUMMER 2023
