We write these words during the last few days of summer quiet. The Northern Star can be a creepy place with few or no students. The fun of our jobs is the energy level found in an office full of motivated students. This week, though, we've needed the quiet as we plan for our pre-semester training week.
We'll pack a whole lot of information into next week - how-to sessions in all departments and, in particular, legal and ethical issues our students will need to understand. We've found that before classes start is the only time we have their undivided attention.
Every year during our training process, a different handful of Star alumni give their time as guest speakers. There is incredible value for our students to hear from successful professionals who once stood in their shoes. In short, you help them realize that they can get there from here. That is a huge motivator for them.
Our training's ultimate success does not depend on our teaching skills as advisers. We've taught the same material to different staffs over the years with widely varying results. Our teaching, enthusiasm and overall credibility as advisers all play some role with the whole staff. But what matters more is helping to shape the attitudes of the top editors and managers. The staff takes its cues from them - much more than from us - on just about every issue: their level of professionalism … the Star's general office atmosphere … the spirit of fun that either pervades this place or doesn't … the focus or lack of focus on tangible goals … and the amount of grumbling about low pay.
Which is why we spend the first couple of training days with just the managers and editors. Sure, we go over all the basics. But it's more about setting a tone. What we're really doing is formally putting the Northern Star into their hands. The year's success level rests with them. We can give them tools and support, but the ship is theirs.
And to those of you who steered the ship before them, thank you. You
not only have left a legacy, but you also continue to help our students
gain the confidence that they, too, can take the wheel.