Take a look at our newsletter this month!
HELPING EMS & HEALTHCARE LEADERS REVIEW, REFOCUS, AND RESET THEIR ORGANIZATIONS FOR SUCCESS. IN PERSPECTIVE
Volume 1 • JUNE 2019
RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION: How to Integrate Paid and Volunteer Personnel Without All the Headaches
8. Thou Shalt Designate ONE Supervisor to Whom Paid Staff Will Report. Be sure that you establish a clear chain of command. Receiving conflicting requests from multiple supervisors can be frustrating. It is important not to allow Board members, senior staff or others to try and correct, discipline or exert control over the paid staff. One supervisor and chain of command only please. 9. Thou Shalt Not Allow “Dumping” on Paid Staff. It is quite common for volunteers to suddenly “forget” to complete their chores, relying on paid staff to be there. Leaders should anticipate and forbid this from happening, as it is guaranteed to cause raging animosity that will poison the group. 10. Thou Shalt Not Allow the Words “Us” and “Them” to Enter the Organization. There is only one “we,” and that is your entire organization made up of paid and volunteer professionals. Remove any semblance of fence-building, compartmentalization, or segregation. Integrating paid staff is a way to maintain the value and traditions of volunteer agencies without sacrificing the mission of serving their communities. If paid staff are integrated well and managed effectively, communities can have the best of both worlds! If you have already done an integration and it’s not going so well, perhaps you need to Hit the RESET Button to get back on track. Visit Holdsworth.com/RESET to learn more. To ensure that you’re creating the most optimal integrated work culture for your staff,
“W e need to recruit more volunteers.” “We need to increase the mandatory number of hours to get these shifts covered.” “Can someone please cover Friday night?” Questions like these linger in the hallways and meeting rooms of agencies all across the country until a lone voice coming from somewhere in the back asks, “Should we just hire some paid personnel?” Many organizations are beginning to “fix” their problems by integrating paid staff. While this solution might appear to be the magic bullet for all staffing issues, if the integration is not done properly, you’ll just have a whole new set of problems on your hands. The following are my 10 commandments for integration success. If you follow these, your integration will be successful. If not, remember that I told you so. 1. Thou Shalt Have Only One Set of Rules/Policies for the Organization. While it’s common to develop a new set of rules and regulations specific to newly arriving staff, one surefire way to derail the integration process is by treating various members of your staff differently. For example, don’t use a heavy hand on the paid staff for an infraction and then allow a volunteer to slip by unscathed for the same offense. 2. Thou Shalt Have a “Get-to-Know- You” Meeting Prior to the Start Date. Invite new paid personnel, volunteers, board members, local responders, FD, PD, dispatchers, and the community to a meet- and-greet as early as possible.
3. Thou Shalt Make Sure That Information About the Paid Staffing Program Is Open to All. Informed members revolt less. Be very open about the hiring process, start dates, coverage hours, and your rationale for bringing paid staff into the organization. 4. Thou Shalt Kill All Rumors Immediately. Regardless of your information flow, emergency service people love to gossip. As a leader in an organization, if you hear a false rumor, acknowledge and then correct the information. It is better to correct it now— before it becomes an urban legend. 5. Thou Shalt Remind Volunteers of Their Continued Importance. Everyone likes a pat on the back, especially people who are doing hard work for free. Show volunteers their value, identify and acknowledge the hundreds of hours each year not covered by paid staff, and continue recruiting volunteers to help your agency. 6. Thou Shalt Keep People Focused on the Organization’s Mission. Once you’ve made your decision to integrate, there will be pushback. Remind your staff of your mission: “We have to take care of the community, and this change is necessary to achieve that goal.” 7. Thou Shalt Allow and Encourage Paid Staff to Be on Operational and Planning Committees. Include your newest staff members on all committees. You hired them for their experience, so remember the hiring process and be sure to tap their potential. This is even more important if you hire full- time employees.
don’t hesitate to contact me at Bob@Holdsworth.com.
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‘LIFE IS GOOD: THE BOOK’ How the Jacobs Brothers Used the Power of Optimism to Build Their $100 Million Business
These days, it’s difficult to walk down a busy street without seeing a stranger wearing a Life Is Good® T-shirt. While Jake, the optimistic star cartoon with the tiny glasses and huge grin featured on their merchandise, is easily recognizable now, that wasn’t always the case. In 1989, Bert and John Jacobs designed their first T-shirt. They hopped in their van and peddled their design through the streets of Boston and up and down the east coast for five years, but they couldn’t seem to find many buyers. Desperately hoping to find a way to make their dream a reality, the brothers had returned to their apartment in Boston when inspiration hit them. They realized that their drawing of a happy cartoon (who would soon become Jake) hanging on their wall symbolized all the optimism they wanted to express in their brand. As the saying goes, the rest is history. From selling T-shirts out of their van to heading a successful $100 million business, Bert and John were forced to learn a lot about the industry through trial and error. With demand skyrocketing, the brothers had to legitimize their company by hiring employees just to keep up.
Then, to keep the business growing, they had to find a way to keep their employees content and motivated. In 2015, they released “Life Is Good: The Book; How to Live with Purpose and Enjoy the Ride,” an inspiring treatise filled with the wisdom and lessons they’ve learned on their journey to success. Throughout the book, the brothers illuminate ten key “superpowers” which serve as their company’s core values. They also explain how they managed to stay true to their original mission and focus on the importance of optimism, all while overcoming obstacles and taking advantage of opportunities. These are the same challenges facing EMS leaders today. The Jacobs brothers’ ability to maintain their original vision while growing their business to offer more than 900 different items across 14 categories in 4,500 retail stores in the US and in 30 countries worldwide is what keeps their employees engaged and makes their company an enduring inspiration. You can get your own copy of Bert and John’s book through Amazon or by going to their website: LifeIsGood.com.
A Health and Wellness Program Tailored to You HEALTHYRESPONDERS.COM: COMING JULY 2019!
I have a serious question for all emergency responders. With the hectic hours your jobs demand of you, do you feel like you are able to make your health a primary concern? My guess is that, for most people, the answer is “not as much as I need to.” It’s kind of ironic, isn’t it? Being an emergency responder means that you’re constantly focused on the health and welfare of others, but schedules associated with the job often mean that you’re awake when everyone else is asleep. Any time you can set aside to account for your own exercise and diet regimen is awkward, and consulting experts (nutritionists, exercise therapists, personal trainers, etc.) is often tricky with your odd work hours. For more than 30 years, The Holdsworth Group has been helping leaders build healthy organizations. Now, because we also believe that being healthy on the job is the best way to have a long and healthy career, I’m excited
to announce our partnership with Virtual Health Partners and our new program coming
partnership with Virtual Health Partners, you can get real live feedback 24/7. This program will give you the ability to consult with nutritionists, learn from exercise class leaders, and you’ll have nutritional guides, exercise plans, recipes, and your own personal tracker all in one convenient location: your pocket. Taking your own health into consideration while on shift can be extremely difficult. But it doesn’t have to be anymore. In emergency services we often have hours of boredom followed by having to spring into immediate action. These adrenaline rushes are hard on the body, so you need to make your own health a priority in order to stay on top of your game. Keep an eye out for more information about HealthyResponders.com, but if you have any questions in the meantime, don’t hesitate to give me a call!
July 2019: HealthResponders.com! HealthyResponders.com is tailored
specifically to the first responder community and offers all responders access to information that can help them lead longer, healthier lives. The most important aspect of this program is the associated phone app, which allows each individual responder to connect with a nutritionist who can help them build delicious recipes and find sustainable snacks they can take with them on the job. It also offers each user access to ample exercise programs depending on their personal goals. You can even sign up to take exercise classes with a fitness instructor live, or you can participate in the classes at your own pace. There are three different types of programs you can choose from, but the best part of all three is that since the app is based on a
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We Are Now Accepting Applications for Access Point sm CHECK OUT OUR AMAZING MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS AND SERVICES!
If you caught the May edition of our newsletter, then you know that the Holdsworth Group will be launching Access Point sm , our new consultant-on- demand, members-only program in July! Several of our clients wanted to be able to ‘pick our brains’ on demand but didn’t have a specific consulting project for us. Simply stated, they asked us to create an affordable way for them to have us on call. To address their requests, we have created Access Point sm to offer our clients access to our team of experts, so we can answer any questions you might have! Here are just a few of the services and benefits that come with an Access Point sm membership: • Annual review of billing, collection, and payer mix including a letter formatted to share with municipal leaders
• A fully developed, ready to implement Marketing/PR campaign each month • Operational questions answered via email • Answers typically within 24 business hours • “In Perspective” print newsletter monthly with a special Access Point sm members only content section • One 60-minute one-on-one call every month (recorded and archived for your files) or two 30-minute one-on-one calls per month with Bob or other team members as needed • Three 20-minute “9-1-1 calls” per year • Monthly group Leader Learning call — Access Point sm members only • Book of the Month addition to your Leadership Library • 20–40% discount on retainer based additional consulting work
• “BREAKING NEWS” alerts to keep you up to speed on industry news • Editing of up to 3 policies, letters, or marketing pieces per month You’ll also have unlimited access to: • Policy & Procedure library • Article archive • Leader Learning conference call archives • Marketing idea library • Newsletter archives If you are serious about making positive changes in your agency, our team is accepting applications. If you think this membership sounds like a great option for you, don’t waste time. Spaces are limited! Go to Holdsworth. com/AccessPoint to complete the application. One of our team members will connect with you to answer any questions.
JUICY LUCY SLIDERS
INGREDIENTS
Where’s the Fun?
• 2 lbs. ground chuck beef, 20% lean • 8 slices melting cheese (like American, Swiss, Muenster, or cheddar) • 16 small potato rolls, toasted • Salt and pepper, to taste • Your favorite burger accompaniments
DIRECTIONS
1. Divide beef into 16 evenly sized balls. 2. Rip cheese into roughly equal pieces, creating 16 equal portions. 3. Using your index finger, create a small indentation in each ball. 4. Fill indention with cheese and pinch meat around to seal. Then gently
form balls into 3/4-inch-thick patties. Season patties. 5. Meanwhile, heat a cast-iron skillet to medium-high.
6. Lightly coat skillet with oil and cook patties in batches. Brown one side undisturbed, about 3 minutes. Carefully flip and cook until desired doneness, about 3 minutes for medium. 7. Serve on toasted potato rolls with your favorite accompaniments.
BEACH BREAK FUN HOT
JUNE OUTSIDE PLAY SUMMER
SUN TAN TRAVEL VACATION
Inspired by Bon Appétit Magazine
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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How to Integrate Paid and Volunteer Personnel Without All the Headaches ‘Life Is Good: The Book; How to Live with Purpose and Enjoy the Ride’
A Health and Wellness Program Tailored to You
We Are Now Accepting Applications for Access Point sm
Juicy Lucy Sliders
Amusement Park Trip Tips
PREPARE FOR FAMILY FUN AT AN AMUSEMENT PARK THIS SUMMER
Hold On Tight!
have more fun if you know you’ll be prepared for anything.
I’M LOST! Before you head out, review park maps and ride descriptions. Create a list of the attractions everyone in your group wants to see and plan out your route ahead of time. While some spontaneity can be fun — it’s a vacation, after all — the sheer size of many parks coupled with high anticipation can be overwhelming if you aren’t prepared. Planning ahead will save you a few headaches and disappointed family members. PACK THE ESSENTIALS Find an over-the-shoulder bag or strap on a fanny pack to carry your cash, keys, snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses. You’re spending the whole day outside, so make sure you’re considering the weather when you head out and always slather on a generous amount of sunscreen. Lastly, wear comfortable walking shoes to prevent blisters and aching heels. You’ll
WATER COSTS HOW MUCH!? Amusement parks are expensive, and when you spend a whole day seeking thrills, you’re eventually going to need sustenance. Check the park’s rules before you leave, but most will allow your family to bring in a few snacks, like fruits or granola bars, and a reusable, empty water bottle. Many parks will have a drinking fountain near the entrance where you can fill up before exploring. If you plan to eat or drink at one of the establishments in the park, peruse the food options on the park’s website ahead of time to get an idea of what is available and how much money you should bring. Adventure awaits this summer! Don’t let a lack of preparedness keep you from enjoying a 135-year-old tradition.
On June 16, 1884, the first roller coaster in the nation opened to eager and brave participants at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. In the years since the first riders climbed aboard the Switchback Railway 135 years ago, roller coasters and the amusement parks that house them have changed dramatically. But the thrill that attracted all those first participants still remains. Celebrate the nation’s love of heart-stopping adventure by visiting an amusement park this summer. Follow these tips to make the most out of your trip.
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