Guest guest Posted June 4, 2002 Report Share Posted June 4, 2002 Morale? Is that really a word? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2002 Report Share Posted June 4, 2002 http://www.dictionary.com/search?q=morale mo.rale Pronunciation Key (m-rl) n. The state of the spirits of a person or group as exhibited by confidence, cheerfulness, discipline, and willingness to perform assigned tasks. Re: 911:: Morale Morale? Is that really a word? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2002 Report Share Posted June 4, 2002 Is that Spanish for ulcer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2002 Report Share Posted June 4, 2002 In a message dated 6/4/02 11:58:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time, maudie438@... writes: > What does your agencies do for their staff to keep morale high? > > ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They could care less about morale in our department, both with officers and dispatchers alike. In fact, some weeks it seems they must be holding meetings to see how low they can drive the morale!! Patty BTPD NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2002 Report Share Posted June 4, 2002 Morale, Come on guys if there is no morale in your department then put some back into it. You can lead by example, always smile, never allow negative talk in your presence, and always be positive no matter what. Life is short, too short make the best. a Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2002 Report Share Posted June 4, 2002 In a message dated 6/4/02 11:34:39 AM Mountain Daylight Time, lbailey911@... writes: << Bottom line is it is not management's full responsibility to keep everyone happy. The TCO is responsible for his/her own mood and of course their mood can affect the rest of the shift. >> AMEN Laurie!!!!!!!!! Management can only give us the tools - individuals must use those tools. Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2002 Report Share Posted June 4, 2002 In a message dated 6/4/2002 10:57:37 AM Central Standard Time, maudie438@... writes: > > What does your agencies do for their staff to keep morale high? > Give awards to the office staff and tell the workers on the phones and radios what a horrible job we are doing. Honestly...we have an awards ceremony every year and employee of the month. MOST of the yearly awards go to the " office " people or the technical people the monthly ones go to the " workers. " The yearly awardees get a day off with pay...the monthly awardees get a $25 gift certificate at a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant. Chicago 9-1-1 not that anyone else cares...this is my opinion only. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2002 Report Share Posted June 4, 2002 > <<What does your agencies do for their staff to keep morale high? >> > > > > Pandora? Is that you? > > > ******************************************************************** What is this? The morale high ground? To answer the question: nothing. Iowa State Patrol Communications, Cedar Rapids Werling NØXZY scott@... http://www.ia.net/~anachamb/pumpkin.html http://www.jonescountytourism.com http://www.earthsat.com/wx/dotwx/winter_roads.html I have a new address for my Olympic photos. http://www.photoisland.com Login: ridgeroader password: blah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2002 Report Share Posted June 4, 2002 Audrey Well 1. Start by terminating all upper level persons, making one of the supervisors the " interim " chief and continuing this state for months without an end in sight. 2. Sit back and watch as officer after officer leaves for other departments and do nothing to either halt the outflow or to intake new. 3. After almost 2 years of interviews and such, take the last position remaining to be filled in dispatch, and, just short of finally getting an acceptable candidate, decide that position is to be cut. Decide that in order to make better use of personnel, records people will now be trained to " help out " in dispatch instead of filling the vacant spot. 4. Allow an organization with ties to the PD that was to be an extra curricular activity only to totally envelope the time of one of the remaining dispatchers. Watch the discontent fly out the window as this person sits in dispatch making phone calls for this other activity while the other people present pick up calls and cover the slack. 5. Let the inmates run the asylum, and keep people guessing from day to day as to what the procedure and policy in regards to anything will be. > What does your agencies do for their staff to keep morale high? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2002 Report Share Posted June 4, 2002 Well put I agree we have to be the starting point on this issue. If you have a problem alway remember take a soulution to the boss for the problem if not YOU are part of the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2002 Report Share Posted June 4, 2002 Although many of the things you mention in your post, do happen, I agree... a little.. and disagree... a little... >2 TVs -- one at each end of the room. (There are rules for use, but the point is they have them, along with a VCR) Although TVs & VCRs *might* be good for morale, I'm really not sure. I tend to think that they add to a lack of professionalism, inattention (in some cases), and generally are not a good idea... (yes we have them in my radio room, I just don't like them.) Running a professional, business like, radio room will certainly do more for morale than a television. (again, my opinion). >Bottom line is it is not management's full responsibility to keep everyone happy. I'll have to agree with you here somewhat... It's not management's " full " responsibility... but they do share in that responsibility... and most do little or nothing in this regard. >Get you a raise? It wasn't enough. In many cases, it's not enough. My dispatchers are paid less that the surrounding agencies, they received no pay raise this year, and likely will receive none next year. (State budget crunch)... >Allow you to be flexible with your vacation time (ie/ allow half days when needed) --they'll complain when it's denied due to staffing. The use of vacation time is set by the union agreement, management follows the rules.. just like the employee... It's normal for people to complain when time off is denied, in our profession, due to lack of sufficient personnel, high turnover, etc., this is a very large reason for " low morale " ... employees simply cannot get the time off they have earned, and deserve. > Provide OT opportunities? I'm going to say this one more time.... Overtime is NOT a job benefit !!!! >ALL applicants I have interviewed have been THRILLED that OT is available. Only 50% of them take advantage of it, I'll agree with you here a little... It's amazing to me that everyone says they want overtime... but when you start asking.. no one steps up. But then again, when things really get short, they start to sacrifice, I've seldom had to " mandatory " overtime, simply because no one would volunteer. >yet when they do not get a day off because no one signed up for their open shift, oh the whining. Again, people will complain when they do not get the time off they have earned... and deserve... If agencies were properly staffed, much of this problem, along with huge overtime budgets, would go away... > favorite 'morale' gripe is when a shift is actually busy!!! Our shifts are usually not that busy, but when one does hit, I'll get a little complaining.... But it's not because that dispatcher had to work... It's because we had one dispatcher doing the work of two... because management will not properly staff the center. True, there's some " loafing " with magazines, TV, etc., on slow shifts. But I don't care. The " other " times more than make up for a slow shift now and then. Sure we have people who " whine " about this or that... and forget about the things that we do for them... But all in all.... most of the problems come from management... (Not front line supervisors, but management). Weintraut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2002 Report Share Posted June 4, 2002 >A supervisor, like myself will try and try and no matter what you do, you will " never " and I do mean " never " satisfy every one that works with you. There's a huge difference here. I'm a supervisor... but I'm certainly not management. I KNOW how to fix the problems, but only management can fix them. As a supervisor, I can take care of front line problems, but only upper level management can give me the money, personnel and equipment to fix our major problems. >So if it is your time to retire, do it now, don't wait for things to get better, because they certainly will not, 80 working days... and counting... >some cases it might even get worse. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that they will get much worse at my agency... But not for me. Weintraut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 5, 2002 Report Share Posted June 5, 2002 Well, I thank you all for the ideas and thoughts. It's odd being in supervision some days - you tend to see both sides of the fence. We " middle management " folk deal directly with the management and the dispatchers and understand both sides of their issues. I didn't think that my agency was alone in the morale issues, and it was eerie reading some of your posts - I kept waiting to see one of our people's names at the end of the post. ;-) Thanks again, pandora, er, I mean... Audrey Rychalsky Assistant Shift Supervisor Lancaster County 911, PA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 5, 2002 Report Share Posted June 5, 2002 They pay me every two weeks. If I do not like the amount., I can get off my ass and get another job that I like. If they do not fire me in the next 560 shifts, they will give my wife and I, medical coverage for life. I have a tv, with no concerns what or when I watch. I have a vcr. I have internet to the world, with the only restriction of no porn. I have a bed, in case I pull a 24 on overtime. I have a CD rom and a stereo. I have 12 tons of air conditioning. I am the only dispatcher, so I can set it to what I want. I do not work nights (except for volunteered OT). I do not work weekends or holidays. The only hazard I face, is the firefighters overfeed me. In theory, the on-duty fire captain is my boss, but since I do their payroll and schedule their overtime, they walk softly. I am allowed to take leave without pay, (since I am retired from two other PD's) this is a great benefit. Last year I took 72 days off to go to Alaska. Come to think of it, I'm not really sure why I would retire. Rich > > > What does your agencies do for their staff to keep morale high? > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 5, 2002 Report Share Posted June 5, 2002 I suppose then I must be a part of the problem. In the situation I am in, higher level management is almost non existant right now, much of the discontent that is felt is due to flucating decisions and to not having a firm idea of what is and is not to be allowed. The past 6 months have been filled with ongoing change, a feeling that the real control of the PD is from city hall and that what matters to us is not of any import to the people really in charge.We have watched as budget, people and all other morale things have evaporated in the wake of the apparent " win " by city hall in the battle between them and the former chief. Just yesterday, I watched as parking spaces behind city hall (which would be in front of the PD) were labeled for people at city hall, meaning that those coming onto shift later in the day at the PD must use the abundant parking in front of city hall. So, last night, at 10pm, I had to walk from the PD across a large dark lawn to the front of the empty city hall to get into my vehicle because when I arrived at 2pm there were no spaces to park closer to the PD. When someone tries to do anything " uplifting " , they are derided, ground down and in general made to wonder why they even bothered. A system of total chaos being the system du jour, it is a bit difficult to always smile, to never have negativity come out and to wear rose colored glasses and believe in Pollyanna. I did find out last night that our interim chief is definitely NOT going to apply for the chief's spot (good for him! he has had a horrid last 6 months!!) and they are predicting a decision on an actual chief within a couple of months. At this point...I will believe that when it happens, since we are also going to be going through major city elections in Oct, with 2 council seats and the mayor's seat coming up for vote. b1jarvis@... wrote: >Well put I agree we have to be the starting point on this issue. If you have a problem alway remember take a soulution to the boss for the problem if not YOU are part of the problem. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 5, 2002 Report Share Posted June 5, 2002 >Come to think of it, I'm not really sure why I would retire. Me neither. If you do, would you call me? I'd like to put in for the job. (grin) Weintraut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 5, 2002 Report Share Posted June 5, 2002 > ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They could care less about morale in our > department, both with officers and dispatchers alike. In fact, some weeks it > seems they must be holding meetings to see how low they can drive the > morale!! > Patty > BTPD NJ ******************************************************************** RUN PATTY! You have discovered their evil plan! It's the USA version of the Evil Empire. Actually they all seem to be that bad in some respect or another. Ours is so much like yours! Iowa State Patrol Communications, Cedar Rapids Werling NØXZY scott@... http://www.ia.net/~anachamb/pumpkin.html http://www.jonescountytourism.com http://www.earthsat.com/wx/dotwx/winter_roads.html I have a new address for my Olympic photos. http://www.photoisland.com Login: ridgeroader password: blah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 5, 2002 Report Share Posted June 5, 2002 > Management can only give us the tools - individuals must use those tools. > Kathy ******************************************************************** Such as incompetent mid management, equipment that doesn't work correctly (but just well enough to get by), promoted " problems " workers that just don't have a clue nor do they want to, officers that view radio as just so much dead weight, a necessary evil. Please don't say, it's time to move on because I'm 49, 25 years on 3 kids in college, the usual excuses. Plus, it shouldn't be this way, once upon a time it wasn't (as bad). But today's know it all new people are just a pain in the ass to work with. Sorry, I call 'em as I see 'em. Iowa State Patrol Communications, Cedar Rapids Werling NØXZY scott@... http://www.ia.net/~anachamb/pumpkin.html http://www.jonescountytourism.com http://www.earthsat.com/wx/dotwx/winter_roads.html I have a new address for my Olympic photos. http://www.photoisland.com Login: ridgeroader password: blah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 5, 2002 Report Share Posted June 5, 2002 > the monthly ones go to the " workers. " The yearly awardees get a day off with > pay...the monthly awardees get a $25 gift certificate at a Lettuce Entertain > You restaurant. > > Chicago 9-1-1 > not that anyone else cares...this is my opinion only. ******************************************************************** Written by the Chicago law firm of Boywe, Cheatem and Howe. Nyuk nyuk nyuk Iowa State Patrol Communications, Cedar Rapids Werling NØXZY scott@... http://www.ia.net/~anachamb/pumpkin.html http://www.jonescountytourism.com http://www.earthsat.com/wx/dotwx/winter_roads.html I have a new address for my Olympic photos. http://www.photoisland.com Login: ridgeroader password: blah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 5, 2002 Report Share Posted June 5, 2002 > Well put I agree we have to be the starting point on this issue. If you have > a problem alway remember take a soulution to the boss for the problem if not > YOU are part of the problem. ******************************************************************** What if the bosses are part of the problem? Iowa State Patrol Communications, Cedar Rapids Werling NØXZY scott@... http://www.ia.net/~anachamb/pumpkin.html http://www.jonescountytourism.com http://www.earthsat.com/wx/dotwx/winter_roads.html I have a new address for my Olympic photos. http://www.photoisland.com Login: ridgeroader password: blah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 5, 2002 Report Share Posted June 5, 2002 <<<What does your agencies do for their staff to keep morale high? >> Well I personally think high morale is part of personal responsibility -- I believe I can decide how my day is going to go. Now I didn't think that way at my old job -- its a lot easier to be upbeat at my current job. I walk away from gossip or if I can't I ask people if what they are saying is a fact or speculation. If its speculation I tune them out. I don't use foul language myself -- I believe the English language is rich enough to find other words that describe how I feel without using foul language - and have mentioned this when its used -- I think some people I work with have touretts. If I can, I walk away from it. I try to find humor in my day and in each thing I do. I look for an upside to each situation...... even when there's a guy with a gun who wants to hurt himself and succeeds the upside is when he only takes himself out and doesn't take anyone with him. I say hello and smile to each co-worker and say goodnight when I leave. I say thank you when someone does something thoughtful. When someone makes a mistake I look for ways (1) that I can learn from it and (2) what i can do to rectify the situation -- unless its an officer safety issue I never seem to remember who made a mistake -- I will bring an error that impacts me to the supervisor's attention but I figure anyone could make the same mistake so I tend to " forget " who would have done it. I came from an agency that was very fault and blame based -- they were more interested in WHO did something wrong than WHAT went wrong and that doesn't happen where I am now. So I take it on myself to keep my morale high -- and so far so good. My last job was the first I've had in like 33 years of working where it took more energy than I had to feel good. My agency -- well we have supervisors who look at whether or not a mistake is a training issue or a problem like carelessness. We have supervisors who listen to our issues. We have 2 k-9's who are good for a hug. We are included in all department activities when possible. Our union looks out for us. The supervisors are consistent -- if you ask one a question 99% of the time the next one will have the exact same answer. They aren't robots -- they just are consistent. If you need a day off they work with you -- either you get a " V " day or you can comp or they help you arrange a shift trade. If you are or have a family member who's sick and you are out of time your peers can donate ANY kind of time -- vacation, come or sick -- to you to help you through. We have some very cool citizens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 5, 2002 Report Share Posted June 5, 2002 <<<<At the Holidays, they get catered meals for those shifts working.>> Oh yea, we do too! > <<<Frequent Training Opportunities>> Yes, us too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2002 Report Share Posted June 6, 2002 <<<> > You don't use profanity?? That's amazing.... >>> No. Occasionally I'll say " poo poo " -- but I really do think our language is so rich with other ways to describe things I try to find and use new words. Also using new words and looking for them gets me to engage my mind away from whatever is annoying -- or making me outright angry -- and to focus on something more positive. Some people who use profanity around me when they first meet me will ask if they are offending me -- mostly because now adays if you offend ANYONE you can get written up for it if they complain. It doesn't offend me, I know the words exist, I just don't use em. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2002 Report Share Posted June 6, 2002 Actually, our department was the same way. It wasn't that we had a rule that we didn't use profanity, it's just that we...well....didn't do it. Yeah, sometimes a word would slip out every once in a while. But I didn't realize how much we DIDN'T cuss until I worked part time at another local agency. Boy, every other word heard was a cuss word. The endearing term to each other was b*tch and whore...geez.... They thought it was amazing that we didn't cuss at each other at my department. But the shift I worked with there began to stop using profanity so much...at least while I was there. It's a small thing, but deleting the profanity used in the work place does make for better work environment. annette hallmark --- Jim wrote: > You don't use profanity?? That's amazing.... > > Jim > Mr 911 > TriCom > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 7, 2002 Report Share Posted June 7, 2002 When morale gets low, I have found that it helps to add that special something. I often times lend out videos from my " Faces of Death " collection to lift the spirits of my co-workers. --- Re: 911:: Morale Date: Fri, June 7, 2002 12:01 pm To: 911console I could not have said the latter part any better. We have no tv's in our room, no vicr's, we have to eat at our desks, we cater our own meals for holidays and are presented with a hand written note from the deput chief along with a button supporting TCO week. We have no susnshine fund and if someone gets sick/married/has a baby we do stuff on our own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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