FIRST JOB DO'S and DON'TS

by Allen Binder, Director Hoffman Estates Park District

In ten years of experience in the Park and Recreation profession many situations can be looked back upon by this writer where if he would have known then what he knows now, many different decisions would have been made or different approaches to specific situations may have been better than what was actually applied. The following "Do's and Don'ts" are listed to assist the young professional embarking on a career of community service, to acquaint the eager college student with his or her challenge and to allow for a time of reflection by the seasoned practitioner.

"DO"

1. Get Acquainted With Your Community

In your position of Community Center Director or Supervisor don't expect a "welcome wagon" to greet you. It is up to you to meet the school principal, village officials, local reporters, representatives of civic and volunteer organizations, etc. Also remember the school custodian knows more about the daily operations of "his" school than anybody else and is the key to your program's smooth operation. You might have the prestigious title but he may possibly be making more money than you.

2. Stay Put For Two Years

No matter how good or bad that first job experience is, remember that you learn from every experience. You really are no asset to the agency that first year anyway, as every part of your realm of responsibility must be learned. You should be able to improve and expand programs during the second year, with the third year finally resulting in overall department improvement due to your efforts.

3. Establish Lines of Communication

Hold weekly staff meetings with those working for you. If your agency does not conduct weekly or monthly staff meetings between the Director and Division Heads, suggest that it be done. It is important that everyone knows what is occuring and contemplated within your agency.

4. Participate in State, National, and Other Related Organizations

Everyone can contribute something to these organizations in his first year if only to attend workshops and conferences.

5. Learn Other Jobs Within Your

Organization How many of you have ever made ice in 0° weather, or planted trees and shrubs, changed pool filters, or operated a tractor? Remember that ultimately your goal will be that of Director, which means possessing knowledge of all operations within your agency.

6. Continue Your Education

While not advocating your Master Degree immediately after completing your undergraduate work, it is most difficult to return later after starting a family. Recommendation—Complete undergraduate work, work in field three years, complete your Masters Degree in area of specialized interest, then start your family.

7. Answer All Requests For Employment

Granted, it can become a tedious task answering all requests for employment, full or part-time, but remember you were in their position at one time. If there are jobs available arrange for interviews, if not, at least notify the individual making application.

8. Be Overorganized

One advantage of our profession is the everyday diversity it commands. But with this diversity can come disorganization if every phone call is not answered, dates are not placed in calendar book, documentation is not made of oral agreements, memos are not written to other staff members, etc.

9. Document Everything

Many a good idea is forgotten or credit given to another person because you failed to follow through with idea. This is especially true when dealing with other community organizations. Your idea for a flag football program last year has now been implemented by the School District. Or the permission granted orally by the Police Chief can find no written record of agreement.

10. Involve Yourself With Community Affairs

You can't be a member of all organizations, but at least attend some of their social functions. After you have become settled, join one of the groups that interests you and/or your spouse.

11. Establish An Evaluation System For All Programs

While there is no one evaluation system adaptable for every agency, input into each program's evaluation should come from; 1) the participant or his parent, 2) the Program leader, 3) the immediate supervisor and, 4) the Director. Remember, even though the Director hasn't been program supervisor for some time, he was at one time and can only be of additional assistance in your evaluations.

12. Take Vacations Away From The Community

If you have performed your job

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effectively there will be somebody to carry out your responsibilities in your absence. Get your spouse away from that ringing phone.

13. Establish Objectives For Every Program

How can an evaluation be meaningful if there were no objectives to relate to.

14. Establish Training Programs

For Every Employee Every person employed, whether they be full or part-time, should be hired because of his interest in working with other people. The summer playground leader may have no experience, but bubbles with enthusiasm to be transferred to the participant.

15. Establish Executive Hours

There is a certain amount of administrative paperwork that demands concentrated effort. Because of the continuous stream of phone calls and unscheduled visitors that never cease, it is recommended that an "Executive Session," better known as "Not to be Disturbed Time," be established at least several days a week for three-hour segments.

16. Cooperate with All Organizations

Even though your views may be different, remember that the majority of other leisure serving organizations are voluntary, meaning involvement represents specific personal interest. Maybe you don't believe in tackle football for elementary age youth, but those who promote it will eventually find sponsorship. At least assist in finding a suitable site or offer your expertise in securing suitable equipment and quality leadership.

"DON'T"

1. Openly Criticize Any Other Public Official

Remember the goal of community service must be to strive for intergovernmental cooperation. Many people have nothing better to do than help spread rumors about what Park Director Jones said about Mayor Smith. If hostility does exist, let the elected officials do the politicing.

2. Become Too Close With Peers or Commissioners

While it is inevitable that relationships will develop, a close friendship is no substitute for respect. The job you do will be evident to those who need to know.

3. Let Complaints Be Discouraging

For every complimentary phone call there will be twenty complaints. It is human nature to criticize, but expressing appreciation for a job well done is not one of our society's traits.

4. Spend Too Much Time With State Or Other Organizations

While the new professional should become acquainted with State and National professional organizations, remember that it is the local taxing body who is paying your salary. If you are able to perform all functions with time left over, do involve yourself. Those who often fail their society are not doing the job at home either.

5. Try To Be All Things To All People

Your work day can only be extended so far. At some point you will have to say "no" to that additional community function or activity. Also, what may please one group or individual may be condemned by another. It is better to be criticized for installing a fast surface tennis court by those preferring a slow surface than installing no tennis courts at all.

6. Allow Volunteers To "Run" Your Program

Those who are fortunate enough to employ volunteer leadership for their programs must not forget that the volunteer is no different than the paid employee. He directs his program with the same established objectives as anybody else. Whether he or she is paid or not should make no difference as to the degree of suggestive criticism that can be employed.

7. Expect Part-Time Staff to Radiate Your Enthusiasm

Whether you would like to admit it or not; many, if not the majority, of your employees will be working to supplement their income. Establishing specific job descriptions, providing training, and continually supervising his work are sound techniques to insure that the part-time employee is working in the best interest of your agency. Though it was mentioned earlier, it cannot be emphasized enough that each program must have established objectives. Your agency will probably represent every conceivable type of personality, but as long as each employee contributes towards the ultimate goal of satisfying the leisure needs of all residents, who really cares that the guitar instructor has not had a haircut in six months or that the Arts and Crafts leader wears her dresses six inches above the knee.

8. Allow Public Criticism To Dampen Your Enthusiasm

No matter what profession you enter, there will always be those who feel their idea is better than that established. This is especially true with tax payers. Typical, but continual, complaints will be voiced about program fees, class limitations, registration practices, age groupings, etc. But you are the "Professional" who is working in their best interest, and though it is often frustrating to have to explain the same policies again and again, it is your job. Don't sacrifice principles and established practices you know to be sound for that minority who wants change. That complainer who continually bends your ear is more than likely doing the same to other public officials.

9. Forget To Praise A Job Well Done

When was the last time you complimented an employee for a successful effort? While striving for continued improvement in all staff is most important, failure to remind an employee that you appreciate his efforts will certainly dampen his enthusiasm and creativity.

10. Expect A Successful Program in Champaign, Ill., to be Successful Elsewhere

While it may be true that many programs can be found in almost every Park District Brochure, never forget that every community is different and unique. Philosophy, personal interest, economics, social status, etc. all must be understood when determining what programs will satisfy the needs of your residents.

11. Compete With Other Successful Organizations

Just because another community agency or group sponsors a youth basketball program for boys within a particular age group is no reason to assume your agency can better satisfy that need. Maybe your agency failed to respond to the need when it surfaced. Remember, the key word used daily in your profession is "cooperation." Work with all other leisure serving groups to insure their continued success and your community's betterment.

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12. Allow Your Programs to Become Static

Many programs that are popular today will not be existent in 3-5 years. Bridge classes offered by all departments in the 60's are seldom offered today. The present craving for indoor tennis today may change to raquetball in years to come. Continually experiment with new ideas and programs rather than waiting for ideas to be presented to you. I have found in ten years that approximately 25-30% of programs offered each year are new.

13. Take Credit For Your Departments Success

Remember, you are working as a team, one that is critical in making your community a better place to live. As mentioned before, your efforts will be readily seen by all. If any one person is to receive credit, let the elected officials receive the praise. What else can a Park Commissioner in Illinois receive for six years of volunteer service. While the word "cooperation" will be the key word in your professional vocabulary, the word "I" should be eliminated.

14. Stay In Profession If It Isn't Self-Fulfilling

Maybe after listening to the above "Do's and Don'ts" one might ask this writer what he's doing in the profession. Yes, it is a profession of many headaches and frustrations, but what other line of work can satisfy so many human needs within a community, the need for activity, the need for recognition and status, the need for expression.

Every day in our profession is a new experience. The daily diversity does not allow time for boredom or complacency. When you begin finding ways of not attending those nightly meetings, or begin not answering phone messages, or are satisfied with existing programs, or feel you don't need to meet with community groups to find out if their needs of last year have changed this year, then it is time for you to leave the profession. Those in the field of Parks and Recreation have worked too hard and too long trying to establish an image. We don't need those who lose sight of our importance, or who are not willing to sacrifice for their community's betterment.

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