Ever Been a Guest in Your School?
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. The issue is, you are not always sure when that first impression is going to happen.
Over a 30 day span, pretty much every public and private school will open. Over a million students and families will enter a new school. Everyone will be meeting their new teacher.
So when will that first impression occur?
I believe that when you are standing in the frame, it is hard to see the full picture.
Here is what I mean. When you are immersed IN the school business every day, you can sometimes become less aware of the "little things". The little things are what matter most to your guest, and they quickly become BIG things.
Just a few years ago, I was consulting for a charter school. I had been there multiple times but never really felt welcome.
I asked the head of school if they had ver walked into the building through the eyes and ears of a guest? Someone who is looking to enroll their child or drop off a job application?
We have all experienced going out to eat at a restaurant for the first time. You are excited for the experience only to be met with resistance rather than relations when you walk in?
The hostess is not welcoming, not nice, not engaging, or NOT there!
The restaurant is not very crowded, not clean.
You think because of the low crowd you'll get better service and your food will come out quicker, but it doesn't.
They have probably lost your business forever.
Let me ask you.
How is the school or organization you lead any different?
Here is a solution.
Once a month, become a guest in your own school.
Arrive to campus as a guest and enter the building in the mindset of first time parent or job applicant.
“4 corners and 4 walls.” This process allows business owners to walk the land corner to corner to make sure that it’s making a good first impression and have good curb appeal. They then do the same thing with the building and make sure the structure is modern and visually appealing.
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