How to Manage a Yearbook

Use solid management techniques to produce a quality yearbook.

As with any leadership position, taking on the challenge of managing an entire yearbook staff can be quite overwhelming if you let it. There are a variety of factors that can potentially throw a wrench into your daily routine, from unmotivated staff members to lack of organization and time management skills. However, there are a variety of ways to use your management experience and avoid many of the pitfalls and obstacles that may stand in your way. The key is to remain optimistic and relax; remember that being in charge and still having fun aren't mutually exclusive concepts.

Things You'll Need

• Digital or physical calendar

Instructions

1. Gather your staff together to discuss goals you want to accomplish and how you plan to go about realizing these goals. Encourage an open forum for staff members to voice questions, concerns and suggestions, and spend some time deliberating the best way to address these issues.

2. Elect a committee to divide and conquer the management responsibilities; have the entire staff participate in this democratic election, allowing everyone an equal opportunity to be considered for the roles. Delegate specific tasks to each committee member; he will be responsible for the oversight and execution of these responsibilities. Assign a team of yearbook staffers to each committee member to ensure she has plenty of support to complete her duties.

3. Create a digital or physical staff calendar and fill it with your projected deadlines for the various yearbook components. Place a physical calendar in a highly visible area of the staff room, or for a digital calendar, provide each staff member with a personal printout or a username and password to access the document online. Review the calendar on at least a weekly basis to keep the staff on schedule.

4. Plan each meeting a few weeks in advance to promote high levels of attendance and participation. Add these meetings to your calendar, and remind your staff of upcoming gatherings either verbally or via email.

Tips & Warnings

• Employ the democratic process as much as possible to provide each staff member with a means of voicing opinions. Provide an entertaining, enjoyable environment for staffers to work, offering constructive criticism and guidance rather than ruling with an iron fist. And even though you are in charge, ask for help when and if you need it to avoid feeling swamped.

References

• SPC Yearbooks: Yearbook 'How To' Guides