There are many things that custodians should analyze. How to react in all types of situations is just one of them. Consider all outcomes before moving forward with what you feel is the best way to approach something. The key to analyzing any cleaning is to minimize the number of trips or steps you take to do a job.
It is a good idea to pre-analyze as many scenarios as you can prior to them happening to make you well prepared in the event they actually happen. By analyzing things in advance you will set yourself up for good choices, while working more efficiently. #AcademyofClng
A determined custodian will usually have either a really clean area or school. They are always looking to grow, learn and do what’s right for kids. In general, a person who is determined doesn’t make excuses and figures out a way to be successful. Custodians who are determined have the ability to make their careers grow and have an impactful effect on the schools and communities they work in.
Don’t be denied, make a determined commitment to do more than just clean classrooms and restrooms each day. Be that custodian that leaves a mark. The kind of person that after you leave will be talked about for years to come! What you think about, you bring about! #AcademyofClng
I have worked with and for so many custodians that are pessimistic. It’s been my experience that a lot of them tend to sometimes show a lack of hope and can seem to expect bad things to happen. It goes right to the negative with them! After all, the core of a great attitude begins with optimism! Custodians with an optimistic approach will say “I can,” “I will” and “No problem.”
Optimistic people look at extra work or a challenge as something to conquer, not make excuses. The nature of our jobs will cause things to come at us from different directions. It’s those who embrace things with positivity and optimism who are the difference makers and live a happier life! #AcademyofClng
It’s okay to make a mistake. Just learn the art of fessing-up and moving on. Nobody is perfect! This is where taking ownership starts. Stay out of the blame game and away from the “that’s not my job” mentality. It’s the custodians that take responsibility for their actions and perform their jobs at a high level that understand the importance of taking ownership.
When custodians become problem solvers they are looked at in a different light. People who take ownership will likely move up in the ranks. This is not only a great way for a custodian to take ownership of his/her building, but also helps put you in the class of a professional member of the staff that is having an impact on student achievement. #AcademyofClng
If you work in a public school then you better understand and embrace the concept of service to others. It’s what we do! We need to be willing to go the extra mile for those we serve. The great thing about doing this is how rewarding it is for you. Have you ever dropped something that is important to you to help someone?
Instead of looking at being interrupted while you are cleaning a room as a hassle, look at it as a way of giving. Custodians who understand the importance of being of service to others not only understand why we do what we do, but also can feel good about what they do. That is, make a difference for others! #AcademyofClng
There are so many resources out there for custodians. Of course this book is one of them, but there is simply no excuse not to learn and grow as custodians. Don’t forget the power of networking with other custodians in other buildings or districts. As a school custodian did you ever consider reaching out to a custodian who works in a hospital about how they deal with MRSA? They can be a great resource for you to keep the students in your building safe in a situation like this.
The point is that in order to truly utilize your resources, you must sometimes think outside the box to maximize the benefits of reaching out. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, reach out to others and research best practices. #AcademyofClng
This is key to being successful at any level of custodial work. Mike Ward has found that most custodians don’t respond to data, but they do respond to great communication. An easy way to annoy the custodial crew is by not telling them about an event and the next thing you know there are 500 people in the building while they are trying to clean.
What we can do to help this situation is to have a great working relationship with the office staff, athletic director and parent groups. This is key to maintaining great communication. It is also usually the gap in why communication is not working within the custodial ranks. It is equally important to have great communication amongst your custodial crew. #AcademyofClng
