Need a simple idea to keep or increase the morale in your workplace? I used these motivational cards during my elementary principal days to encourage the staff and students. It became the “throwing the pebble in the water” effect…encouragement spread as they shared with others! I also call it “bragging rights” for the principal…yay! It’s an easy but powerful way to keep a positive atmosphere in the workplace. Check out the three options below.
OPTION #1
First, pick out a card(s) to catch your staff being:
- “really terrific with technology”
- being “a real thinker”
- having a “can-do attitude”
- “not a technology expert yet…but trying something new”
- reading some interesting facts
- a super problem solver
- thinking outside the box
There are 12 different cards (4 on a page). Here are a few card examples:
Then, hand your staff member the card that you’ve attached to a lanyard or badge clip. Every card has “ASK ME ABOUT IT!” on it. Next, tell them they must wear it until at least three or more people have asked about the behavior and they have explained their fabulous feat! It’s a wonderful way to showcase what is going on in your workplace. In turn, the card wearers get to share (and motivate!) other staff members and/or students. This is great for those staff members who do marvelous things…but don’t think that they do. (We all have staff members like that!) It’s fun to hear them tell others “the principal made me do it!”…HA!
OPTION #2
Prepare sets of cards with lanyards and hang them outside your office door. (I used an accordion-type cup holder stretched sideways to hang on the wall.) The staff can drop by and pick up the motivational cards of choice for their students. They “catch” their students, have them wear the card, and then the students share with other students and/or staff that inquire (remember, at least three or more). The “Motivational Cards” download includes a page to print on the back of the cards that states, “Return to the Principal“ OR “Return to insert text” (you customize the card by inserting a name of choice). They then know to return the card so “bragging rights” can be issued from the principal. After all the “brags”…the principal/leader gets the card back to be re-used.
My heart smiles every time I see this cute little face. Ruby, is one of five children with the two autistic older brothers. I was blessed to have her in my elementary school during my time as a principal. She is as smart as a whip! Quick-witted and intelligent Ruby blossomed every time she received one of these cards!
OPTION #3
Teachers can use the cards in their classrooms for their own students. This file includes a page to print on the back of the cards that states, “Return to the Teacher“ or use the “Return to insert text” card. The teacher customizes by inserting any name they choose.
Just FYI, the cards measure approximately 3-1/2 in. x 4-1/2 in. (They are too large for the standard plastic badge holders.) Printing on card stock and/or laminating makes them pretty sturdy.
Check out the preview of all the cards by clicking the picture.
Lead joyfully,
Gail Boulton
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