Job Discussion Forums

khmerhit · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2003 4:14 pm Post subject: Ignore them at your peril

On a recently completed B.Ed course, there was a fair amount of waffle about the "Community of Learners." It was stressed that the community comprised everyone involved in facilitating the ss education, including support staff.

On reflection ("reflect, reflect"), I lost a job at a school because I failed to show sufficient respect for a seemingly lowly office manager. He told the bosses that the ss didn't like me (not true) and before you could say jackrabbitrobinson, I was out of there.. Why? Because in my ignorance, I didn't kowtow enough to the local power.

At another school, where I had rather more success, the guards were a silent but important element in the community. They slept with their guns on hammocks. One of my colleagues pointed out that they were the ones to keep happy, since they had helped him out a few times... Those guns used to come in handy in Cambodia... Anyway, I heeded his advice, and shared drinks with the guards a number of times. (Not that I needed much encouragement!)

So my question is-- if you agree in theory with the above, how do you put it into practice?

leeroy · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 777 Location: London UK

It doesn't hurt to keep admin happy - in Indonesia we regularly bought the office boys (read: slaves) beers etc..., although perhaps more because we were nice guys than wanted to keep them sweet specifically.

I'm not that experienced with the full on kow-towing that is (evidently) expected in the nut-house that is ChinaKoreaJapan - but would be happy doing it - when in Rome, right?

And lastly, there's nothing wrong with being chummy with the boss. I don't go for blatant sucking up - but friendliness goes a long way (although perhaps not in some cultures). Selling my soul? Of course, but I get a good price. Wink

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

When I first started teaching in a UK secondary school in the mid 70's I soon got the hierarchy sorted out.

The most important person in the school is the caretaker. He can lock you out. The second most important is the headmaster's secretary. The othere don't matter.

Celeste · Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2003 5:24 am Post subject:

Here in Japan, I make a point to say good morning to all of the staff members that I encounter at every one of my schools. I also make a point to chat with the PTA moms whenever they are around. Because I travel to many different schools, I will never be considered part of the staff, but I like to at least have people feel comfortable with me and look forward to my return to their school. I have to say that some of my best private tutoring gigs have come from these connections. At one of my schools, the custodian speaks fluent English and acted as a translator between me and the principal on my first few visits there. As it turned out, he studied English in my city, Vancouver, for a year when he was a student. Small world.

richard ame · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 319 Location: Republic of Turkey

Hi
It has to be said that those small people we take for granted every day can make quite a difference to your life and not just in the work place a little smile and a wave can open doors in lots of different ways when they are delivered in a sincere and genuine way .
When you need bills paid or an offical stamp knowing the right people can make a hell of a difference over here they call it torpil another word for "clout" friends in high places or even an "uncle in Ankara" now that takes time to cultivate.
Of course arse licking is blantant over here but some people do it really slyly me of course I always put my foot in it and call a spade a spade as someone said" better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than open it and remove all possible doubt" . I think it was Dennis Thatcher the long suffering other half (now deceased) of one of my female heroines.

chinagirl · Joined: 27 May 2003 Posts: 235 Location: United States

At my last elementary school job here in the States, I don't know what I would've done without our school custodian. He was the only one around after most everyone else had gone home, and was my friend and counselor. He knew a lot more about kids than some of the degreed and certified folks! He was always the one to go to for help, whether it was a locked door or a broken overhead projector.

Definitely saved my a** on several occassions!

Be nice to your support staff - the above "Commnuity" truly does exist!

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

I have often found the cleaners/janitors to be the most friendly of all the staff at a school, and in Hong Kong very few of them can speak English, but they are always there with a smile and a helping hand if needed.

At one school where I worked we had an end of term photo, and for the first two "flashes" the support staff were not included. This annoyed me and I mentioned it to the teacher next to me. As I was finishing my sentence, all of the support staff turned up and were given a place on the front row...!!! I was truly touched that they had been thought of as part of the team and given the deserved respect.

I have also found that the IT support staff are good people to pal up with, as they will sort out all the "why when I put this question mark here does the whole document dissapear and I am left with what looks like Serbo Croat.?" times. They have saved my worksheets from oblivion on a number of occasions.