Reminders: Keep Your Supervisors Up-to-Date

I learned this trick from one of our volunteers who works in local government. Every week he sends an email to his supervisors summarizing what he did that week. This could have tons of potential benefits.  For example:

• Protection for you - If anyone questions you or your work, you have a written record you can refer to.
• Accountability - It makes it tougher to slack-off when you know your supervisor is going to see a detailed record of everything that you do.
• Supervisor involvement - Getting your boss excited about what you’re doing is almost invaluable.  Make sure to convey your own enthusiasm for your work in the record.  

There are, however, a few things you should keep in mind:

1. Be accurate - If you’re going to fudge in your favor, it would have been better if you never started at all. 
2. Be consistent - Don’t miss a week.  It will make you look erratic and disorganized.  It’s better to not do it at all than to do it poorly.
3. Be proactive - Don’t wait for someone to ask you to start this habit.  Remember, this is more for you than your supervisor.

Got something to share? Let us know in the comments or via email at youthhacks@gmail.com.