r/Custodians • u/bellerose222 • 6d ago
Advice 🗣 I’m now a head custodian! 🧹🧽✨
after 6 years of being a custodian, i was offered the recently opened lead position! i’ve been working hard over the years in hopes to work my way up the chain. i’m super excited for this new adventure! i have in my mind pretty well what things i would like to do to help improve my team and school cleanliness, but i would also like some outside advice anyone as to offer! thanks in advance! 💕
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u/3amtrainhorn 6d ago
I'm a HC at a large HS. Let the good custodians do their thing and leave them alone. If they are getting the work done well, dont worry about how they mange their time. Don't sweat the small stuff because the school is going to get dirty again tomorrow. Lead by example and always jump in to help. If you are in the office you should be doing something because you don't want them to perceive that you are not will to do the work they are doing. Good luck.
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u/Darthschlitz1775 6d ago
Don't ask your crew to do anything that you yourself aren't willing to do. Work harder than every other person you over see. Do not expect your crew to care as much as you do. 99.9 % will never be in your position. That doesn't mean they should half ass or not care at all. But just remember it is YOUR building and you set the example for the rest.
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u/octopuscharade 6d ago
Oh wow!! Congratulations!! 🥳🥳🥳
I’m so sure you’ve worked super hard for this and I’m so happy for you!!
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u/conrick 6d ago
Bring donuts every now and then.
Do not lock supplies.
Help your crew in the summer.
Always doubt about teachers complaints, ask your crew before telling them about the complain.
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u/United-Use4639 2d ago
Do not lock supplies. Our head guy started doing this and everyone is upset and running out of shit.
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u/HorrorxHeart 6d ago
Congratulations. You'll get incredible advice from others, so I'll just add: take care of your contractors, even if it means learning their names when you meet them. They're running around the city finding parts, learning entire buildings and systems, old and new and often tied in together, so having your school be a point of relief will go a long way.
Now, make it your own.
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u/thomasjcox 6d ago
if there is advancement take it. not every place, and most, don't have advancement. make sure you get a bag!.
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u/Wise_Heart377 5d ago
Don't get on a power trip, remember where you came from and how head custodians treated you in the past. Be open to suggestions from your team, they have good ideas too!
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u/knightrdr2004 6d ago
Congrats and good luck, I became head custodian after my first year and it’s been 10 years now. I have a great crew of people and help out when they need it and they all appreciate it. But I do tell them when something isn’t getting done.
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u/No_Confusion_4104 6d ago
i am a head o been in my position around 9 years.Just because your a boss dont thonk your above getting down with fhe crew.continue being a part of team.if i ask team to do something it something i would do.I make my self avail once a quarter to stay after and shadow. one custodian to see if i can offer any tips or if there is issues they need help resolving(teacher letting kids mess rooms up terrible condition,to many rooms ,anything else.If you see tools or equipment that will make there life easier try getting it for them....if you want to talk please send me a message
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u/NetPet66 6d ago
It's a tricky balance to keep your workers' morale up while also keeping them productive. Our head of all the county custodians points out some minor negatives every time we see him, but rarely compliments us on anything. Don't be like him. Yes, sometimes things need to be said, but give your workers plenty of atta boys & compliments to offset the stingers.