In 2009 Google corporate heads began a multi million dollar plan called “Project Oxygen”.

The mission was to develop something more important than a new product.  Instead they wanted to build better management.

At ASIS Massage, this can be translated to better classroom managers, (in other words, massage school teachers).

What they came up with was nothing new, yet some really clear verbiage.  I’ll keep it directed to classroom talk!

Eight Good Behaviors in managing your Massage Therapy classroom

1)   Be a good coach: provide specific, constructive feedback to massage therapy students, balancing the negative and the positive.  Take a little time and do some one on ones at the massage table.

2)   Empower: Balance giving freedom in the massage classroom, with clear direction with the course as a whole to particular massage strokes.  Allow for student input.

3)   Express a personal interest in the student: Get to know your massage student’s interests, and direct side comments to segway the information being presented with the student’s interests, be it fitness, health, beauty, nutrition.

4)   Be goal oriented: Keep massage students on track, you and your massage school have a lesson plan, stick to it.  Help students prioritize the information, both professionally, and in preparation for their massage exam.

5)   Be a good communicator and listener: Communication and education is a two street. Help massage students connect the dots, with your information and the other facets of their massage school education.  Encourage dialogue, and clear communication.  Hold students accountable to what they say.

6) Help students with career development, and creating clear goals. Know the facets of the massage profession, and share generously with massage therapy students.

7)   Have a clear vision and strategy for the day, and the class:  Even as emotions arise, keep the massage class moving in the direction you set forth.  Stick to the proven massage therapy curriculum at massage school.

8)   Hone your technical skills: Understand the challenges and changes in the massage profession, stay abreast with resent studies and techniques in massage therapy, pathology, and general sciences.

3 Pitfalls to be aware of while managing your Massage Therapy classroom

1)   Trouble transitioning into the group: Each massage therapy group has its own style and personality, get to know the massage class, and capture their respect early on. Regaining trust is harder than getting it in the first place.

2)   Lack a consistent approach: Be fair, honest and prepared at all times when entering the massage therapy classroom.  Beware not to fall for student manipulations.  When you assign a project or homework, refer to it, go back and finish all unfinished jobs.

3)   Spend too little time preparing and managing: Think about what you are doing in massage class prior to arriving, and while in the classroom, stay engaged, interested, and involved.

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