Prepare your staff for 2022
For many museums in New England, the off-season is upon us. Many museums and historic sites take this fallow period to regroup, plan, and ‘do’ in preparation for the year to come.
Many places where I have worked and volunteered offer their staff a variety of training opportunities from in the winter months. I’ve had the chance to be certified in CPR and first aid; participate in tabletop exercises to plan for emergencies; organize public programs; and finalize details on marketing plans. There is truly nothing “fallow” about the “off-season.”
Many nonprofits find ways to thank their staff for their dedication throughout the year and offer training and development opportunities. Some do not. Instead of hibernating this winter, we wanted to suggest some ways for you to engage with your staff and to provide resources and opportunities for their benefit.
LinkedIn Learning: Did you know that LinkedIn Learning has special rates for nonprofits? If you have staff that needs an excel refresher or to gain confidence in public speaking, LinkedIn learning is an outstanding, self-paced resource at an affordable cost.
Plan for an emergency: Empower your staff to support your site and visitors in the case of an emergency or disaster. Offer CPR/First Aid certifications. Contact your local emergency department and ask them to talk to your staff about disasters in your area. Plan an interactive tabletop exercise.
Have a retreat: Retreats can be effective in connecting your staff, solving challenges, and building internal engagement. Plan a themed day-of-fun and education for your staff while engaging them in creative problem solving that helps you to achieve your mission.
Get healthy: This may not be a fit for every organization, but can you bring in a speaker to offer yoga, meditation, and mindfulness coaching?
Time management: What better way to start off a new year than with a session to help your employees manage their time better and to stress less. If you can’t afford a speaker, consider getting your employees a copy of 18 Minutes and have a book club.
Job Talk: What parts of a day bring joy? Where are the black holes? As a director do you understand where these sit for your staff? As a staff member, do you understand where these are for your director? By dissecting daily routines, staff can build a greater appreciation for the inner workings of an organization.
These are just a few suggestions for using your off-season effectively and offering your staff training and development opportunities. MuseumTastic is here to help with affordable meeting facilitation and staff training options. Get in touch and let us create a fantastic and fruitful day for your team.