How does one tackle creating a successful program? to success 10
questions to lead you and your program
Many new and seasoned school nutrition professionals feel that they are climbing an uphill battle while trying to create successful school nutrition programs. Between emotional and mental exhaustion, a rollercoaster economy, an ever- changing customer and staff base, and head-turning regulatory changes, we must ask ourselves: how does one tackle creating a successful program? Every program’s needs and goals are unique to itself, so I’m not here to give you a blueprint to creating a successful program; however, I am here to give you 10 foundational questions to ask yourself before you get into the nitty gritty of program building. 1. Where is your program currently at? You can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you are! I recommend doing a full SWOT analysis by identifying the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of your program. A SWOT analysis is a great way to truly understand where your program is currently thriving and where it can improve. 2. What is your program’s mission and values? I like to think of your program’s mission as to WHY you exist and your values as to HOW you exist.Your mission should clearly explain the purpose of your program while your values should reflect what principals will be guiding you and your team in achieving your mission. Think long and hard about these two and get others’ input, because the mission and values of your program will be guiding your ship and everyone who is on board. 3. What type of leader do you want to be? Now let’s take a look in the mirror; did you know you have a choice in what kind of leader you are? It
is in everyone’s best interest that you identify what type of leader you want to be so you can INTENTIONALLY lead those around you. Don’t think it’s that important? Wait until you’re cleaning up the mess later…
4. Do you know the “ins & outs” of your team? This one is a complex one, but you must seek to understand those that are on your team. What do they personally value? How are they best motivated? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How can you utilize, empower, and grow every individual so that your program as a whole thrives? Remember, you can have the finest foods and all the high-end equipment, but if you don’t have engaged and qualified team members, they will be the ones that drag your program down. 5. What are your customers’ values, wants, and needs? One of the hardest realities we face in school nutrition, is accepting that our customers may not necessarily value, want, or need the same things as us! How many times have you put an amazing item on the menu (or so you thought), just for the students to call it a flop? Ouch. However, we have to listen to our customers; yes, we are in the field of feeding children nutritious meals, but we are also running a business! Survey your customers and get out into the lunch room to talk with them! Children are some of the most honest customers you’ll find; don’t take their feedback personally, look at it as valuable data! 6. Who is your support system? None of us can do this alone and one of my favorite aspects of the school nutrition industry is how supportive everyone is of each other. Find your go-to people when you need to vent, ask questions, or have a
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