Page 25 - The Edge - Fall 2018

Top Notch School Business Official Gadd recommended stetting high standards, remembering

Continued from page 24 always that above all you are providing service to schools. “If you
follow staff expectations, you will be fine,” he said.
On professional demeanor, Gadd noted that appearance
have I gotten myself into?” he said. “You should have read the counts. “Don’t come to work wearing shorts and flip-flops,” he
newspapers. There should be no surprises. If you know about a said. “Regarding attitude, be professional. Accept criticism. Try
major issue in October, don’t tell the superintendent about it in not to get upset.”
April. Share that information with the superintendent as soon as It’s also important to work smart. “Take time to think issues
you are sure an issue exists.” through,” Gadd said. “Create a to-do list and then decide
A tip that sounds like common sense is to proofread all priorities. Strategize with others if you’re going to have a meeting
written work and correspondence, whether it’s going out to the and you’re not sure you have right answers. Don’t hesitate to seek
community, the Governing Board or staff. “You don’t want to help or confirmation. Better safe than sorry. Find a mentor. If not
embarrass yourself,” Gadd said. in your district, find someone else who knows more than you do.”
When it comes to developing a quality staff, Gadd Yet another basic piece of advice: balance work and your
recommended allowing some employees to attend conferences personal life before something breaks. “People who work 60-
and seminars intended for their improvement. “Be selective,” hour weeks don’t last,” he said. “Think of ways to lose stress.”
Gadd said, pointing out that the absence of staff members can “If you are going to attend a board meeting, do your homework.
affect your operation. “Be sure to praise your staff – every single It would be nice if the superintendent could find out in advance
day. And reward loyalty.” what questions the board might have,” Gadd said. “The more you
He recommended getting involved with a professional say you don’t know, the more people will realize you don’t have
association, such as, of course, AASBO. knowledge. You don’t know what you don’t know. I put myself in
Another recommendation that should seem like common a board member’s position. What questions would I ask? Then I
sense is: be honest. “Admit your mistakes, own up to it,” he said. make sure I have those answers.”
“Everybody makes mistakes. Don’t blame someone else. And
don’t stonewall. Offer suggestions on what corrective action you Jeff Gadd is Director of Education Programs for the Arizona
will take.” Association of School Business Officials.

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