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December 05, 2006
MainStaff Performance Review FAQ
This year, the University is piloting a new approach to performance management. There are two pilot programs: a very broad-based pilot that involves senior leadership across campus and their direct reports and a limited pilot that involves the library and one other department on campus. Six orientation sessions have been offered by Cindy Ewing to introduce this new system and to guide supervisors in the use of the ratings. Below are answers to key questions that came up at or after the sessions.
1. Why is the library participating in this pilot?
*To encourage a more consistent application of performance ratings within the library.
*To better align the library's use of ratings with campus directions.
*To influence the final design of the overall process.
*To respond to concerns raised at LAM or mentioned by staff on the 2006 Recognition Survey.
2. Couldn't we just keep on doing what we have been doing?
This year, we could have used the old form and ratings. By next year, however, we would have had to change – at least for all exempt positions.
3. What are the main changes?
There are two changes. a) We are using three ratings instead of five. b) Each Division will have a calibration meeting at which the AD and the Department Heads will share information in order to develop a common understanding of what evidence is indicative of each performance level (top performer, valued performer, and developing performer). Cindy Ewing will facilitate these meetings. Jo Bessler will also attend to help document the criteria and to promote cross divisional consistency in the interpretation of the ratings.
4. Is the University trying to impose a bell curve or a specific distribution of the ratings?
We have been given no instructions that suggest that any specific number or percentage of the reviews should fall into each category . On the other hand, the use of three ratings and the very design of the rating definitions are likely to create a bigger middle category. The valued employee definition was designed to embrace the large number of employees upon whom the University relies on who regularly demonstrate knowledge, commitment, and cooperation.
5. Will these rating translate into specific amounts of merit?
The ratings will have a significant impact on merit, but we do not yet know the precise nature of this impact.
We do know that the University is committed to offering the most merit to top performers. Valued employees will also receive merit increases. An individual in the "developing" category may or may not receive an increase depending on whether his/her performance is developing as expected or is viewed as problematic.
More details on the distribution of the increases cannot be determined until we receive the budget instructions from the University.
6) How can we offer feedback on this system?
We will solicit formal input after the entire process is complete. You can offer immediate feed back to any of the following:
Cindy Ewing cewing@nd.edu
Jo Bessler jbessler.1@nd.edu
Jo Bessler
MainPeep Award Winners
September's Winner: Jennifer Brcka
October's Winner: Trudie Mullins
Newest Employee in DAIAD
Please stop by DAIAD and welcome our newest employee.
Jeff Beaird, Senior Programmer/Analyst
Spotlight on Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a unique African American celebration with focus on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and
self-improvement. Kwanzaa is neither political nor religious and despite some misconceptions, is not a substitute for Christmas. It is simply a time of reaffirming African-American people, their ancestry and culture. Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits of the harvest" in the African language Kiswahili, has gained tremendous acceptance. Since its creation in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa has come to be observed by more than 18 million people worldwide, as reported by the New York Times. When establishing Kwanzaa in 1966, Dr. Karenga included an additional "a" to the end of the spelling to reflect the difference between the African American celebration (kwanzaa) and the Motherland spelling (kwanza).
Kwanzaa is based on the Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance, and is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st.
1.Umoja (oo-MO-jah) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."
2. Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Self-Determination requires that African-Americans define their common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of their family and community.
3. Ujima (oo-GEE-mah) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds one of obligations to the past, present and future, and that there is a role to play in the community, society, and world.
4. Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative Economics emphasizes the collective economic strength and encourages meeting common needs through mutual support.
5. Nia (NEE-yah) Purpose encourages one to look within oneself and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.
6. Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Creativity makes use of creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.
7. Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Faith focuses on honoring the best of African-American traditions, draws upon the best, and helps members of the community strive for a higher level of life for humankind.
Gifts are usually exchanged between parents and children and traditionally given on January 1st, the last day of Kwanzaa. However, gift giving during Kwanzaa may occur at any time.
The Kwanzaa Karumu ( FEAST ) It is a very special event as it is the one Kwanzaa event that brings us closer to one’s African roots. The Karamu is a communal and cooperative effort. Ceremonies and cultural expressions are highly encouraged .
Where did THAT come from...?
Decorating with Christmas Trees and Other Evergreens
Christmas tree decorating, decking the halls with boughs of holly, or perhaps even the kiss-promoting mistletoe seems so natural to us now during the holiday season, as it would have to pagans throughout history and pre-history. Surprisingly, the history of the Christmas tree in the winter holiday celebrations has not been one big merry sleigh-ride.
Get beyond the commercialism of Christmas, and think about the symbolism -- and the psychology. Evergreen trees and the clippings of evergreen shrubs are widely harvested from the Northern landscape and brought inside to promote good cheer and hope. When everything else on the landscape is dead or dormant, holly, mistletoe, laurel, boxwood and evergreen trees remind us of better times to come -- the return of a green landscape in spring.
However, Christmas tree decorating and using the clippings of evergreen shrubs as decorations for Christmas has been a controversial practice at times in Western history. When the Roman Church decided in the fourth century that Christmas should be celebrated on December 25, some of the pagan celebrations of the Roman Saturnalia (celebrated at the same time of year) were carried over. This caused much consternation amoung the Church Fathers.
In the sixteenth century John Calvin objected to observing the Christian calendar -- which included Christmas and Easter -- because he felt such celebrations promoted irreligious frivolity. It was in this same century that Germany, by contrast, was establishing Christmas tree decorating - a heritage from their Teutonic forebears. In England the Puritans, influenced by Calvin, forbade the observance of Christmas and it wasn't until the mid-nineteenth century, at the instigation of Prince Albert, German consort of Queen Victoria, that Christmas tree decorating achieved its present status in England.
Given its roots in English history, North America was predictably late in adopting the Christmas tree. The Massachusetts Puritans' second governor, William Bradford, wrote that he tried hard to stamp out 'pagan mockery' of the observance, penalizing any foolishness.... In 1659, the General Court of Massachusetts enacted a law making any observance of December 25 (other than a church service) a penal offense; people were fined for hanging decorations. That stern solemnity continued until the nineteenth century, when the influx of German immigrants undermined the Puritan legacy. In 1856...Christmas was made a legal holiday in Massachusetts.
Recipes from Near and Far...
KWANZAA RECIPES
Sweet Potato Fritters
1 lb sweet potatoes; peeled and coarsely shredded
3 large eggs
3 T. flour
1 sm onion; coarsely shredded
Vegetable oil for frying
Salt
Pepper
Spread potatoes and onion on clean dish towel; roll up, twisting towel to extract excess moisture from vegetables.
In bowl, whisk eggs, flour, 1/2 t salt and 1/4 t pepper until smooth
In large nonstick skillet, heat 1/4 cup oil over medium-high heat. Ad vegetables to batter; mix. Spoon mixture into skillet, allowing heaping 1 T for each fritter; with back of spoon, flatten slightly. Fry, six fritters at a time, 4 minutes. Turn; cook 2 to 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels; keep warm while frying remaining fritters, adding more oil if necessary.
Yield: 6-8 Servings
Benne Cakes
You will need: oil to grease a cookie sheet
1 c finely packed brown sugar
1/4 c butter or margarine, softened
1 egg, beaten
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 c all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 c toasted sesame seeds
Preheat the oven to 325̊. Lightly oil a cookie sheet. Mix together the brown sugar and butter, and beat until they are creamy. Stir in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Add flour, baking powder, salt, and sesame seeds. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto the cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 15 mintues or until the edges are browned. Enjoy!
Benne cakes are a food from West Africa. Benne means sesame seeds. The sesame seeds are eaten for good luck. This treat is still eaten in some parts of the American South.
Southern Fried Okra
1 lb fresh okra, cut 1 inch pieces
1 lg green tomato, diced
1 med onion chopped
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
1 Jalapeno pepper halved & sliced, remove seeds if too hot
2 eggs beaten
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 c milk
1 c cornmeal
1/4 c vegetable oil
Combine okra, tomato, onion, garlic & jalapeno in large bowl. In separate bowl combine eggs, salt, pepper, milk. Pour egg mix over veggies and toss to thoroughly coat. Gradually add cornmeal until mixture on the okra and at the bottom of the bowl soaked up. Continue to toss till ingredients evenly mixed. Mixture will have a gooey consistency.
Heat oil in 10 inch skillet over med. heat until hot. Oil is ready when dash of cornmeal sizzles.
Spoon mixture evenly in skillet. Reduce heat to med low. Cover and fry till underside golden brown, 10-15 minutes. Then invert on plate and slide other-side up into skillet and cook uncovered 5-8 min until golden brown. Remove from skillet to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot.
HOT ENGLISH WASSAIL PUNCH
Ingredients:
1 gal. sweet cider
1 cup lemon juice
4 cups orange juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3 teaspoons allspice
4 pieces stick cinnamon
Directions:
Combine all ingredients; bring to a simmer. Let stand in an earthenware crock overnight. Strain through cloth; reheat and serve hot.
This recipe for Hot English Wassail Punch serves 40
CHANUKAH CHEESE LATKES
Ingredients:
Soft cream cheese; (4 oz.)
2 eggs, separated
1/2 cup flour
1 Tbs. sugar
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 tsp. salt
Cinnamon to taste
Directions:
Mix cream cheese with egg yolks. Add sugar and cottage cheese. Add flour, a little at a time, and mix well. Beat egg whites until stiff, then fold into the cheese mixture. Heat oil in pan and drop batter by spoonfuls into oil. Fry until brown, turn once. Serve with sour cream or apple sauce. Makes 30. May be frozen.
Happy Holiday Season to All…
Susanna King
RESTAURANT REVIEW
The Art of Bar-B-Que!
Who doesn’t love Bar-B-Que? Okay, well I can think of a couple people who do not enjoy that wonderful smoky bar-b-que flavor, but only a couple. We have quite a few bar-b-que options here in our surrounding area. I have not tried them all but I will let you know a few of my favorites.
Double T’s Bar-B-Que at 415 Hickory is my newest bar-b-que favorite.
I never heard of Double T’s Bar-B-Que until one of our co-workers recommended this place to me. All I can say is Thank You for the recommendation! This bar-b-que is simply scrumptious. They claim to have the best southern style smoked food in our area and I think they are right! They hickory smoke their pork and brisket slowly for 10 to 12 hours, so it is very tender and delicious. I have only eaten there a couple times but I will eat there again and they are now on my catering list.
Another place that has been around for a very long time is Frankie’s Bar-B-Que located at 1621 Circle Ave in South Bend. It is absolutely delicious. I have experienced the rib tips and the chicken and both are simply mouth-watering good. Keep in mind this is a place for carry out only.
Then there is Famous Dave’s on Grape Road. I have been there several times and have never been disappointed. The food is simply delectable and the side dishes and desserts are magnificent. You have to try their beans, they put little pieces of pork in to add flavor. Famous Dave’s is also on our catering list and we have used them many times for personal events.
These are three of my bar-b-que favorites. If you have a bar-b-que favorite, please share it with everyone. I know I haven’t tried all of them and I would sure love to get another awesome recommendation!
Happy eating.
Diane Kennedy
Amateur Food Critic
INITIATIVE
You see the word on the performance evaluation, with a short description of the term, but what does it really mean? Bob Nelson wrote an entire book on this one word called "1,001 Ways to Show Initiative at Work". Why? Because it is one of the most effective ways to show you're engaged in the workplace, and ready for more challenges. Here are just a few thoughts from Nelson's book:
Defining initiative: Doing something above and beyond your job description; helping other people; taking risks; seeing an activity through to completion.
When thinking about initiative, keep these four (4) thought-provoking ideas in mind to help you reflect on:
1) Better ways to delight or dazzle internal and external customers
2) Better ways to simplify and improve work processes
3) Better ways to empower all employees
4) Better ways to share critical information with employees so they can feel a greater sense of organizational ownership
A by-product of showing initiative is innovation -- together these two values can help you come up with:
a) ways to improve products/services; b) finding new ways to do something; c) making a task easier or faster; d) saving money; e) enhancing our jobs; and f) increasing your promotability.
Need more ideas to help get you started? Ask yourself these questions:
1) Why was my job created?
2) How does my job relate to others in the organization? (Both library / ND)
3) What opportunities to contribute to the organization exist in my job?
4) How is my job linked to the organization's objectives?
Then, start thinking of "A Better Way":
• Imagine you were doing a task for the first time. Would you do it the way you are doing it now?
• If you had to, how could you do the task twice as fast?
• Do you really need to do the task? What would happen if you skipped it?
• What would be a completely different way of doing the task?
• Can someone else do the task more easily?
• Look for ways to make new ideas work -- not for reasons why they won't
• Make a list of the things you would change in the company, if you could, along with your reasons for changing them. Prioritize the list and plan to take the top items to the next step.
• Learn informal ways of getting things done in the organization.
Who knows -- maybe you will be the one to initiate "the next best thing."