Looking Forward to Monday Morning

Diane Hodges is the managing partner of Threshold Group, an educational consulting firm in San Diego. After 30+ years as an educator, she is sharing her insights through books and international speaking events. Her wit and humor have delighted audiences and readers everywhere. She has served as an executive director of career and technical education, director of instructional services, director of human resources, secondary principal, counselor, and instructor. She earned her doctorate from Michigan State University, has received twelve national and state awards, and is a best-selling author of eight books.

Dedication Introduction Acknowledgments About the Author About the Illustrator I. Appreciation & Recognition 1. Group Recognition - Formal Activities Years of Service Awards Attendance Awards Recognition From the Boss Appreciation Events & Awards End-of-the-Year Appreciation Teacher Recognition Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Non-Employee Awards Team Awards Staff Appreciation Day or Week Staff Newsletter 2. Group Recognition - Informal Activities General Recognition Gifts of Time Special People Recognition Name Recognition Food Rewards - Yum! Symbols of Recognition Words of Thanks & Praise Rewards for Meeting Goals 3. Individual Recognition General Recognition Special Recognition Written Praises Trying New Things...Good & Bad II. Fun Ways to Spend Work Days 4. From the Beginning New Year Starters Get-Acquainted Activities Staff Meetings 5. Through the Day Professional Development Fun Food & Fun "Lunch Bunch" Activities Your Attitude Is Showing! No Special Reason...Just for Fun Dress-Up Events Counting the Days 6. To the End & Beyond "Fun-Raisers" & Community Service Label It Generous End-of-the-Year Activities Other Group Activities After-Hours Network III. Celebrating With Coworkers 7. Caring & Sharing Welcoming a New Staff Member or Boss Administrative Professionals Week Get-Well Activities Birthdays Resignation or Retirement Farewell Gifts Think Spring! 8. Celebrating Holidays Holiday Calendar Valentine's Day Easter Halloween Christmas Holiday Gifts & Exchanges "White Elephant" Events Staff Gifts Holiday Communications Holiday Events IV. Celebrate Yourself 9. Appreciate Yourself Self-Affirmations "The Best Thing About Today Was" Journal Self-Affirmations Corner Professional Portfolios Your Office Environment Daily Schedule Index

"This book is well thought out, well written, and thorough. It contains page after page of examples and is a one point source for ways to make Monday mornings less tedious and more fun. Want to make your employees look forward to the workweek? This is the 'must have' book for you." -- William Warren, Instructional Manager/Teacher "Every administrator needs a copy of this book . . . and should keep it on the top of the 'To Do Pile'." -- Nelda Howton, Principal "The timing of this book is invaluable as our district addresses staff recruitment and retention goals." -- Stephen Kleinsmith, Superintendent "This book is for every well-intended administrator or frustrated staff member! It shows the power of positive reinforcement and the importance of recognition and appreciation in our schools today." -- Bob Nelson, President "As a professional trainer, Looking Forward to Monday Morning is a marvelous addition to my collection of icebreakers and team building exercises. Organizations that implement even a few of the ideas in this book will find they have happier, more productive employees who enjoy coming to work." -- Allen Dietz "Through the use of subtle humor, Hodges gives us extensive ideas and examples of ways we can improve our individual workplace environments. This book was truly enhanced by the inclusion of personal experiences by the author." -- Shawna Mahaffey, Professor of Business "In the spirit of the holiday season we gave all faculty, board members, administrators, and counselors copies of the book." -- Susan Symons, Director "Diane Hodges reminds us that there is a vast difference between compensation (the money) and recognition...many talented people leave good jobs and good money simply because they do not feel appreciated or valued as people. Buy the book, read the examples, but even more important, follow through. Go on, show someone you appreciate them!" -- Nurturing Potential, Issue 18 "If you ever wanted to thank your staff but didn't know how, this is the book for you. Hodges notes that surveys show that recognition for a job well done ranks higher as a motivational factor than wages and job security. Principals and managers who actively show how much they value their employees build a positive climate that filters down to students. The ideas contained in this book are sure to tickle your staff and build morale." -- Principal Magazine