How to maintain good communications with staff - Ep40

GUEST: Phillip Zimmerman is the Animal Care Services Manager for the City of Sacramento Front Street Animal Shelter. He also served as the Manager for the City of Stockton Animal Shelter for 5 years. Phillip holds a BS degree in Social Science with concentrations in Psychology, Sociology, and Communications. He is an alumnus and regular guest speaker for Humane Network’s Animal Shelter Management program at the University of Pacific.

MAIN QUESTION: How can leaders and managers maintain good communications with team members, especially during challenging times and when working remotely?

TAKEAWAYS:

* You have to make a conscious effort to make personal connections when communications are done remotely because it is harder for others to pick up on body language cues.

* A silver lining of remote communications is that more people can participate than if meetings are held only in person.

* Be willing to be vulnerable and share your feelings with your staff and community in appropriate ways because otherwise you can come off robotic and uncaring, which can especially become a detriment in animal welfare.

* And, when appropriate, be honest about what you're doing in your role and the struggles you’re facing. It can help others who are struggling know that they are not alone and can prompt unexpected support.

LINKS:

* Front Street Animal Shelter

    ~ Front Street on Facebook 

    ~ Website: frontstreetshelter.org

* Leadership recommendation: Amy Eisenstein's “27 Ways to Cultivate Donors"