Keys for Motivation

One of the most difficult things about being a managing editor is finding ways to motivate your staff when you struggle finding ways to motivate yourself.

At our last editor's meeting, I had the brilliant idea to buy Panera sandwiches for everyone in hopes that the harshness they were about to encounter would be drowned by the taste of fresh baked bread and deli meats.

When I say harshness, I mean for possibly the first time, I shared some of my disappointments in previous work. Of course, I stuck with my sandwich theme in the way I presented the critiques, sticking them inbetween unbelievably encouraging compliments and praise. I think between food, and inflated egos, the criticisms were almost unheard altogether.

Every editor, as well as my advertising manager, recieved assignments to be completed over the weekend and sent to me by Monday. Now it's only noon, but I have recieved one e-mail, from one editor, with one completed assignment. Only 11 to go. I really hope our sandwich meeting worked and I get everything I need for today.

The difficulties we're facing are mostly due to the fact that we fell just a smidgen behind in our second issue. Now that we've come out with our 3rd (ontime, with hardly any mistakes, and looking REALLY snazzy if I may say) I think we need to try to get back ahead of the game. The hard part is transitioning from a state of catching up to a state of being ahead. There's quite a jump to be made there and I have faith that my amazing staff this year can do it. They just need to really focus and buckle down for a couple of weeks and I know we'll be better off in the long run.

One last note before I end what seems like just a pointless rant;

As the end of my first semester as Editor-In-Chief rapidly approaches, I must already start looking towards the distant future. I may possibly be losing my Arts & Entertainment Editor for next semester, so I need to start looking for a replacement for that position immediately. Also, since I'll hopefully be transferring to Columbia College of Chicago next fall, I'd like to have my replacement working right alongside me next semester like I did last semester with our previous editor Mimi. If the Harbinger accomplishes all the goals we've set out to meet this year then we're really going to need someone sepctacular to fill my shoes next year. So, if you or anyone you know is interested...send them my way, won't you?