Background:

I take over as Executive Director of the nonprofit I work for on 2/17. This will be my first management meeting, so I want it to be productive. Everyone is used to my boss, cuz he's been the E.D. for 35 years. Plus, 7 out of 10 of my direct reports are at least a decade older than me. My goal is to give them a sense of my leadership style, get their input (read: buy in) on some changes i'd like to make to the way we work together and communicate with each other (and other staff) and just have some fun and bonding time.

So how does this email sound? should i not be so specific about the agenda this far out, or should i keep that part in?

Team,

Please save the date for our first Management Retreat. Attendance is mandatory. (I will send a separate meeting notice).

Date: Saturday, March 4th
Dress: Casual
Time: 930am – 5pm. Light breakfast & coffee will be available at 9am, agenda will start promptly at 930am. & Lunch will be served between 12 and 1. Dinner will be offsite at a restaurant TBD.

The meeting is mandatory; however the dinner is optional. You can let me know, as it gets closer, if you will be attending the dinner.

Location: TBD
Agenda:

We will come together as a team, to discuss organizational culture, work processes, program management, leadership, communications and there will be some fun things mixed in.

I look forward to seeing you all!

Veronica

work on Saturdays?

“So back we go to these questions — friendship, character… ethics.”

if not to have it mandatory is kind of a strong arm move, which could be the intent.

if they don't usually meet on Saturdays, that might not be the best approach with getting everyone to buy in and on your side, though. definitely strong arm if they don't usually meet on Saturdays, but probably not the approach *I* would go with, but i have no context for the culture of that particular organization. it might be all gravy.

-----------------------------------
we aint the two and i aint the one- lyte

If you are looking for wordsmithing I think it looks good except that I would change this sentence:

"The meeting is mandatory; however the dinner is optional."

to

"While the meeting is mandatory; the dinner, however, is optional."


Slight change that makes it seem like you aren't beating them over the head with the fact that the meeting is mandatory.


I also think the agenda is vague enough so that they get a general idea regarding what it is about without going into too much detail. I don't think it's too much detail.

I would also recommend one on one get to know you meetings with everyone you can. Even if you already know everyone, give them the chance to be heard about their concerns and how they want to make the place better.

Also Identify your biggest pain your ass and fire them within 5 minutes of the beginning of the treat to set the tone. Just kidding.






>Background:
>
>I take over as Executive Director of the nonprofit I work for
>on 2/17. This will be my first management meeting, so I want
>it to be productive. Everyone is used to my boss, cuz he's
>been the E.D. for 35 years. Plus, 7 out of 10 of my direct
>reports are at least a decade older than me. My goal is to
>give them a sense of my leadership style, get their input
>(read: buy in) on some changes i'd like to make to the way we
>work together and communicate with each other (and other
>staff) and just have some fun and bonding time.
>
>So how does this email sound? should i not be so specific
>about the agenda this far out, or should i keep that part in?
>
>Team,
>
>Please save the date for our first Management Retreat.
>Attendance is mandatory. (I will send a separate meeting
>notice).
>
>Date: Saturday, March 4th
>Dress: Casual
>Time: 930am – 5pm. Light breakfast & coffee will be
>available at 9am, agenda will start promptly at 930am. & Lunch
>will be served between 12 and 1. Dinner will be offsite at a
>restaurant TBD.
>
>The meeting is mandatory; however the dinner is optional. You
>can let me know, as it gets closer, if you will be attending
>the dinner.
>
>Location: TBD
>Agenda:
>
>We will come together as a team, to discuss organizational
>culture, work processes, program management, leadership,
>communications and there will be some fun things mixed in.
>
>I look forward to seeing you all!
>
>Veronica


**********
"Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson

"what's a leader if he isn't reluctant"

>"While the meeting is mandatory; the dinner, however, is optional."

-The Knicks’ coaching search still includes a lone frontrunner, Kurt Rambis, whose qualifications for the position include a strong relationship with Jackson and a willingness to take the job.

**********
"Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson

"what's a leader if he isn't reluctant"

>If you are looking for wordsmithing I think it looks good
>except that I would change this sentence:
>
>"The meeting is mandatory; however the dinner is optional."
>
>to
>
>"While the meeting is mandatory; the dinner, however, is
>optional."

>Slight change that makes it seem like you aren't beating them
>over the head with the fact that the meeting is mandatory.

good feedback; i'll edit.

>I would also recommend one on one get to know you meetings
>with everyone you can. Even if you already know everyone,
>give them the chance to be heard about their concerns and how
>they want to make the place better.

yes, i'll be continuing the one-on-one weekly meetings that are already in place.

>Also Identify your biggest pain your ass and fire them within
>5 minutes of the beginning of the treat to set the tone. Just
>kidding.

I laughed out loud. I sooooo wish I could do that. I know EXACTLY who that would be: my buildings and grounds manager. he already be talking shit behind my back and talks down to me cuz i'm a woman, but i don't have time to fire and replace him just yet LOL

d

“So back we go to these questions — friendship, character… ethics.”

because of the hands-on nature of our organization (we operate infant/toddler centers, preschools and after school programs, mainly) it would be impossible to have an all-day weekday meeting with every single manager not available, with no phone call interruptions etc

Saturday is the only day we can have uninterrupted time (unless its a weekday holiday or school closing, which would be worse). Plus, all these folks are salaried.

This leadership change is a huge deal and we need alot of time together to get on the same page.

(maybe i should write a little in the email about why we're meeting on Saturday?)

and as I wrote in another reply above, i could offer a comp day in exchange for the Saturday meeting.

d

>Saturday is the only day we can have uninterrupted time
>(unless its a weekday holiday or school closing, which would
>be worse). Plus, all these folks are salaried.

That it's okay to have a mandatory meeting for people on their off day, and have it be all day. That is for the birds. I hate the thought that just because you're on salary, that you can work people whenever. This concept really needs to change.

That whole part just made me shiver.

You're such pests...now, what is it you want? In your depths of your ignorance, what is it you want? Well, whatever it is you want, I can't deliver because I just don't see it. - Orson Welles


Never Tired, Always Sleepy

>
>>Saturday is the only day we can have uninterrupted time
>>(unless its a weekday holiday or school closing, which would
>>be worse). Plus, all these folks are salaried.
>
>That it's okay to have a mandatory meeting for people on their
>off day, and have it be all day. That is for the birds. I
>hate the thought that just because you're on salary, that you
>can work people whenever. This concept really needs to
>change.

A Saturday, with 3 months notice, where no one is doing their actual job, being fed, having some fun along with conversations about work, then getting another free day off during the week is nowhere near the same as "working people whenever"

but ok.

d

>(maybe i should write a little in the email about why we're
>meeting on Saturday?)

I'd still be salty, but I'd less likely be resentful.

----------------------------------
I have a webcomic: www.watchthecomic.com

My webcomic has a page: www.facebook.com/watchyourheadcomic

>>(maybe i should write a little in the email about why we're
>>meeting on Saturday?)
>
>I'd still be salty, but I'd less likely be resentful.


yep I get what she means with what they do. I think the comp day in the message is a good olive branch.

But for some people coming in on a Saturday regardless could mean theyre already salty and less engaged with what you want to do.

But what are the options? Would people prefer it on a Holiday?

---
"though time has passed, im still the future" (c) black thought

If not, then why the need for an all day meeting?

I get that she is replacing someone and getting that title but unless the company is in a free fall I don't see the need for an all day meeting or working on a holiday.

How about an extended mandatory lunch or an hour meeting with each dept for the next week?

Seriously, if I worked there I would be furious to lose a Saturday and the whole time I would be thinking "this new boss needs to get a life"

Now if the company is in a free fall then sure.. I get it. I would still be mad tho

****************
TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*

and i know the culture of the organization

it's nonprofit. it's not corporate.

d

It's good you are giving them 3 months notice, gives them time to build up 3 months of resentment... j/k

Good luck and congrats

****************
TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*

and as I wrote in another reply above, i could offer a comp
>day in exchange for the Saturday meeting.
>
>d


**********
"Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson

"what's a leader if he isn't reluctant"

Just curious. If dinner is optional expect to only have the ass kissers attend. I'd have been looking at the clock since lunch, no way I'm staying for dinner.

A comp day would help some.

I'm having my staff work some this Saturday and I hate it. We're doing a gift collection for our kids and as much as I think we'll need more than 4 hours, I can't make it last longer than that even though my boss thinks that I should.

We work in schools, at least, and have a full two week break comin up after next week.

>Just curious. If dinner is optional expect to only have the
>ass kissers attend. I'd have been looking at the clock since
>lunch, no way I'm staying for dinner.

nah it's not that kind of culture. again, this is nonprofit, not corporate. We ne-ver get to go out to a dinner on the company so most will enjoy it and welcome it

>A comp day would help some.

i'll offer it, but most of them won't even use it anyway

d

you obviously know your staff and the culture of the organization better than any of us. if it works, then it works.

best of wishes to you in your new position. i replied in your announcement post. i work in non-profit too, and have recently moved up into a management/director role. the ED position will probably come available sooner than i'd like and honestly i'm not sure i want it. Haha

best believe I'm using that shit 100% of the time.

“So back we go to these questions — friendship, character… ethics.”

it fucks up moral too

http://www.wsj.com/articles/companies-deal-with-employees-who-refuse-to-take-time-off-by-requiring-vacations-paying-them-to-go-1407884213

****************
TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*

I started thinking of excuses not to go (I got kids), and I don't even work there.



My weekends are PRECIOUS to me. That's when I get time to do the things that *EYE* really want to do. A comp day would help, but even with that I'd resent having to get out of bed, get dressed and do a bunch of shit on a day that I should be resting and relaxing. It's a quick way to start breeding resentment.

can it be done over a series of after works?

---
"though time has passed, im still the future" (c) black thought

That' sounds like a power trip.

****************
TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*

Whats the consequence for not showing? lol

No consideration for work/life balance for Managers of
infant/toddler/preschool/aftercare centers? Seems ironic lol

As one of your direct reports, the easiest way for you to get the
buy in from me that you seek is to value me as a person first.
I'd have a HUGE problem with why this couldn't be staggered amongst
several meetings/calls/video chats/emails etc.

There HAS to be a creative way that you can devise to coordinate
meeting time with your team so that you are not alienating the
majority of them from jump- which is what you'll be doing.

------

.
.
.

___________________________________________________________


DJTB YOMM

no one is going to be that pressed about a Saturday retreat

but imma let y'all cook lol

d

Show a lack of respect for people's time and space and work-life balance.
.
.
.

^^^ what all the employees are saying to each other after reading the email

My wife just quit a part time gig because the owner tried to have a meeting on a Sunday. Don't blow up my weekend cause you ain't got shit to do.

Watch a movie, go to Ikea, spend that time planning how to make our job better during work hours.

****************
TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*

I would suggest having individual meetings before a group. This way they can't gang up and you'll get more of what you're looking for as people tend to be honest in these settings.

gather what yourve learned and then regroup. Not on a Saturday and not so long...

Also, there has to be a way to close down during work hours...

Best of luck

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GGpQ4O0poB0

That was awesome.

****************
TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*

“So back we go to these questions — friendship, character… ethics.”

.
.
.

Let me sport my Air Hyperbole 2010s in peace. (c) ansomble

Building repetoires (c) spm since 1983

______________________________________________________________________________

cscpov.blogspot.com

"There's a fine line between persistence and foolishness..."
-unknown

"To Each His Reach"

**********
"Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson

"what's a leader if he isn't reluctant"

Sorry...can't make it.

--------------------------------

one half of the most dynamic tag team on the net...nappyafro's FROCAST!

http://www.frocast.com
www.nappyafro.com
store.nappyafro.com

and who is paying for dinner?

I got bills yo!

****************
TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*

--------------------------------

one half of the most dynamic tag team on the net...nappyafro's FROCAST!

http://www.frocast.com
www.nappyafro.com
store.nappyafro.com

.
.
.

imma let y'all keep tripping over Saturday tho

d

.
.
.

.
.
.

"Hey girl... looking all good over there in that group. It's okay to smile, girl... go ahead I know you want to!"


Straight hood-dude-with-no-understanding-of-context style.

you already sound like the type of manager people could easily hate.

YOU'RE excited about your new position and gung-ho about setting a new tone. PEOPLE HATE THAT SHIT. Just ease them into your leadership style, it'll get you much further than all of that "I'm the captain now" type shit. The exceptions to this are any urgent, high priority hirings or firings because the person is just been killing everyone and previous leadership wasn't aware or able to shitcan them. Unless the company is in a shambles you don't need to come in and play sheriff.

SATURDAY??? No one wants who works M-F ever wants to go anything mandatory on the weekend, it could be free blowjobs and pussy eating giveaways and people only MIGHT want to attend. I'm sure that block of time could be thrown into some shorter, non-life disrupting sessions, and people only remember shit when they learn it in smaller chunks anyway.

You didn't ask but I'll throw out some high level concepts that generate loyalty from staff:

Work harder than the people you lead.
Never say "because I'm the boss" or "because I said so".
Let them see you do some of the dirty/grunt work once in awhile.
Take no shit but treat your employees like you'd expect them to treat your customers/clients.

>you already sound like the type of manager people could
>easily hate.

y'all know me and how i talk here. that's it.


>YOU'RE excited about your new position and gung-ho about
>setting a new tone. PEOPLE HATE THAT SHIT. Just ease them into
>your leadership style, it'll get you much further than all of
>that "I'm the captain now" type shit.

nowhere did i say, i'm the captain now.


>SATURDAY??? No one wants who works M-F ever wants to go
>anything mandatory on the weekend,


occasional saturday events are already built into the culture of our nonprofit because we serve the community. i've already had informal conversations with several managers who are helping me plan the retreat and no one has an issue with Saturday. the only people that are aghast about Saturday are people in this post lol


>Work harder than the people you lead.

i already do.

>Never say "because I'm the boss" or "because I said so".

never have, never will.

>Let them see you do some of the dirty/grunt work once in
>awhile.

they see me do that all the time already.

>Take no shit but treat your employees like you'd expect them
>to treat your customers/clients.

that's how i do.

d

FOH @ a Saturday meeting..
FOH @ and ALL DAY meeting..
FOH @ needing to even HAVE a meeting that sounds like a setup..

that's just enough time for someone to snap.

****************
TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*

I know see that my outrage was not isolated...


"Get ready....for your blessing....."

People really REALLY hate their jobs

If my employer asked me to come in on a saturday
I wouldn't be doing backflips, but I wouldn't be pissed off either
I'd just think "damm, some mad important shit has to get done"
then come in and just do the shit
I was in the Navy, overtime is authorized
I work in the fed gov now
and the key is I actually like my job and career

Yes I know these companies ain't loyal

but like OP said
it's not like it's some out of the blue off the wall request
they do work on saturdays on occasion

corporate america out here fuckin up people's lives

Half of OKP's said they wouldn't quit their job if they won a million dollars cause they love what they do.

Them niggas crazy as shit but whatever...

You want an ALL DAY meeting and then tell me Dinner is optional?

Talk about March Madness.

****************
TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*

than hating the job. I think most people can tolerate doing something that they aren't passionate about as long as they have enough free time to do things that they do care about and get reward from. But for many jobs, work-life balance is a myth.
______________________________
http://i.imgur.com/Gj5Wy56.jpg

no one gets any push back from having to leave work for personal obligations. like zero, none.

it's encouraged. teachers leave early to pick up their kids, and then bring them to the school

d

>People really REALLY hate their jobs

I ONLY get big chunks of time to do the things I want and need to do on the weekend. The weekend is when I actually get to do activities with my kid other than homework. My studio and equipment are at home... if I'm not there I can't use that stuff. My house needs maintenance. So does my motorcycle. I can't smoke at work. Etc., etc.

The key word in "free time" is "FREE"

so i completely get where folks are coming from....most are replying from a corporate mindset

d

Folks LOL primarily in the private sector. Or maybe they just wanted to dogpile damali

The only thing I would say tone wise is to deemphasize the mandaorty nature of the day. Emphasize how important it is for moving forward with the new leadership and then try gage how many people are going to make it and address those who can't individually and then get them on board

prototype

stand ur ground, believe in urself,
believe in love, prepare urself for love, remove the negativity from ur life, and accept the love u kno u deserve

day job + side business + relationship + running a house = MY TIME IS SUPER TIGHT

***********************************************************
https://soundcloud.com/swageyph/yph-die-with-me

I'm willing to work weekends, but there had better be a good reason -- tight deadline, might lose a client, etc. This meeting will guaranteed accomplish 0 teambuilding because people will be pissed about being required to show up. You're shooting yourself in the foot. I hope that this is a troll post.
______________________________
http://i.imgur.com/Gj5Wy56.jpg

****************
TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*

“So back we go to these questions — friendship, character… ethics.”

It's not like any work is being done, people are just sitting around taking notes

it's a hell of a mandatory (likely unpaid) sacrifice but the corporation's greater good always comes first, our opinions dont really matter

Eight hour meetings are rarely as efficient or productive as multiple meetings spread out over time because of how people process and adapt to new information. If you're not on the strategy team for the Cuban Missile Crisis on the eve of the Bay of Pigs there may be a better way. You're more likely to build resentment and lose they buy in you want and need to execute your new bold vision.

The majority of my friends work for non-profits. The biggest complaint I hear about EDs is they build resentment because they can't separate their whims and power trips from the organizational mission because they don't have the constraints of structure beyond "is the board happy" and "did I get the grant"...
Everyone who has done the mandatory weekend retreat thing and hated every bit of it. No one can say that to the ED's face tho because it's his or her pet project. No one has the heart or job stability to say what people are trying to tell you nearly unanimously in this post.

___________________________________________________________


DJTB YOMM

also, if new issues occur because of the new policies you can discuss that in the next meeting.

“So back we go to these questions — friendship, character… ethics.”

> Eight hour meetings are rarely as efficient or productive as
>multiple meetings spread out over time because of how people
>process and adapt to new information.

with meals and breaks built into the agenda, the actual meeting time will not be 8 hours.

plus it's not an entire day of me yapping. there will be alot of brainstorming, break out groups, discussion of things...work process needs to be nailed down. and some fun team building stuff mixed in. trust me, it will barely be enough time.

If you're not on the
>strategy team for the Cuban Missile Crisis on the eve of the
>Bay of Pigs there may be a better way. You're more likely to
>build resentment and lose they buy in you want and need to
>execute your new bold vision.

thanks but its not quite like that here

>The majority of my friends work for non-profits. The biggest
>complaint I hear about EDs is they build resentment because
>they can't separate their whims and power trips from the
>organizational mission because they don't have the constraints
>of structure beyond "is the board happy" and "did I get the
>grant"...
>Everyone who has done the mandatory weekend retreat thing and
>hated every bit of it. No one can say that to the ED's face
>tho because it's his or her pet project. No one has the heart
>or job stability to say what people are trying to tell you
>nearly unanimously in this post.

again, none of the opinions here are from my actual managers. i know the culture here; y'all don't. my point in posting was to get feedback on the actual email wording and not the retreat itself. the planning of it has been WITH the managers' input. i'm not making any unilateral decisions here..that's now how i do....but i appreciate y'all giving your feedback.

d

it's 1 Saturday ONE.

As for the actual post. It is what it is. I don't see any problem with the email. If you have one trusted direct report (with some longevity) I'd put out a feeler if you foresee any issues from any OKP reactin folks in your org.

The comp day is good enough IMO.

Who payin for dinner?

>it's 1 Saturday ONE.

exactly. never done before and won't be needed again. it's a one-off

>
>As for the actual post. It is what it is. I don't see any
>problem with the email. If you have one trusted direct report
>(with some longevity) I'd put out a feeler if you foresee any
>issues from any OKP reactin folks in your org.

yup, that's exactly the process. this email will only go out as information and details. no one will be surprised or blindsided by it.

>The comp day is good enough IMO.
>
>Who payin for dinner?

me, out of my pocket.

d

I think that will go a long way with folks.

Especially when you hit em with the news about the meeting NEXT Saturday... j/k

prototype

stand ur ground, believe in urself,
believe in love, prepare urself for love, remove the negativity from ur life, and accept the love u kno u deserve

or will she move forward with this Saturday Meeting and this Idea of Telling Older Employees that she's taking them in a new direction.

Something that I learned from being in Ministry is that you don't make moves too soon. You really have to let the people make the mental shift first and move them slowly into a new direction.

all y'all OMG SATURDAY folks are being ignored because my team is already on board with it and helping me plan the agenda and suggesting restaurants for dinner.

but y'all can keep freaking out lol

d

By John Maxwell. It's a great book and it can really help with navigating the role as a leader.


.
.
.

.
.
.

You could've just said that occasional Saturday work is a part of your culture as a clarifying point instead of getting defensive and mocking people who scoffed at the notion particularly since you specifically asked for input.

That said, see some suggested edits below... for whatever their worth
>
Please save the date for our first Management Retreat. While attendance is mandatory, I promise a fun day with lots of learning and opportunity for your voice to be heard.

Specifically, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on things like organizational
culture, work processes, program management, leadership, and
communications
>
>
>Date: Saturday, March 4th
>Dress: Casual
>Time: 930am – 5pm. Light breakfast & coffee will be
>available at 9am, agenda will start promptly at 930am. & Lunch
>will be served between 12 and 1. Dinner will be offsite at a
>restaurant TBD.

>
>I look forward to seeing you all and stay tuned for more information to come!
>
>Veronica

She just asked about the wording of the email.

That's it.

Some of y'all going to town trying to convince her she's wrong for making a decision based on a nonprofit and employees that she knows much better than any of y'all.

Once the first person offered advice about not having it all day Saturday and she rejected that it's a pointless battle trying to continuously convince her, especially if she didn't even ask y'all's opinion on that matter.