The Poynter faculty brings us this summary of ways for managers to improve their newsroom’s culture.
I don’t know why they’re such sponges for ridicule over there — but I am thankful for it.
A few choice tidbits.
What Poynter says: Some are encouraging and caring and open, others are discouraging and stifling and closed.
Real world tanslation: The caring and open newsrooms exist in an alternate dimension, so we’ll be able to get one of those jobs just as soon as we develop the technology to exploit rifts in the time-space continuum.
What Poynter says: It also takes listening and learning and allowing people to find their own potential.
Real world tanslation: It’s easiest for our bosses to listen and learn when we’re telling ’em what they want to hear.
What Poynter says: Create havens for creativity and then reward the successes, but also find value in those who try, but fail.
Real world tanslation: It’s unkind to punish those who fail to tell you want you want to hear — but it’s OK to keep ’em the hell away from those havens of creativity.
What Poynter says: Express your visions, but involve everyone in setting a common goal and a common purpose and then develop a sense of urgency.
Real world tanslation: This is urgent: How can my people help me earn the bonus that will pay for my two weeks in Vail?
What Poynter says: Bring your whole self to work.
Real world tanslation: For far too long you’ve been leaving certain body parts at home, and famiily members are starting to call in and complain about the smell.
What Poynter says: Bring folks in your newsroom together and ask them the same question: What do we need to do to create a culture and a place where talented people can come and work and enjoy what they do?
Real world tanslation: You may ignore any replies which include the words “more money,” except in those cases where your staff feels you deserve more of it.
(Note to self: this is far too easy.)