Norris Allen, housekeeping, special events, and security manager for Darlington School, has been recognized as one of three regional winners of the Spirit of Sodexo Award in the category of “Developing Our People.”
“Norris is the individual that people most frequently turn to when they have a facilities issue, whether it’s in maintenance, security, housekeeping or special requests,” said Keith Raker, director of facilities services. “He is committed to being constantly accessible to his staff, as well as our faculty on campus. He also challenges his staff to be the best they can be, and promotes from within his department as his employees develop their skills for new challenges and jobs.”
Raker added that Allen’s focus on communication is one of the things that makes him such a successful manager. He has daily meetings with his employers, supervisors, security and special events staff. He constantly tours the campus, making himself available to faculty and staff members. He conducts monthly training sessions to help his employees develop professionally, and he has even learned sign language and some Spanish in order to maximize communication with his staff.
“To get the best out of your staff, you need to be able to communicate effectively,” Allen said. “The job market is changing, the diversity of the work force is changing, and you have to adapt to that.”
Allen’s focus on helping his staff develop and grow is another reason he was selected to receive the Spirit Award. “Growing up, I had dreams of becoming a professional athlete, and I knew that the only way to achieve those dreams was through dedication, hard work and help of individuals who had already been there,” he said. “Though I’m no longer playing baseball, it does not change the fact that you need people to help you grow. I feel like I’m in a position to help people achieve some of their career dreams, and I want them to know they can if they have a desire. I encourage my staff to be very professional in what they do, no matter what line of business they’re in. I offer them opportunities to grow in their jobs so that they can advance.”
And everyone on Darlington’s campus knows Allen is not afraid to get out and work side-by-side with his staffers. In fact, he’d have it no other way. “The biggest thing about working hands on is that your employees realize you’re not just some boss in an office,” Allen said. “You’re part of them, and what they do is a reflection on you. The way to get the most out of an employee is for them to know that I’m willing to do the same job that they’re doing and that I’m not just their boss, I’m their co-worker. It makes for a better working relationship.”
Allen has been a member of Darlington’s facilities staff for 10 years, and during this time he has done a little bit of everything. “This award is a great acknowledgement of what I strive to do and be here at Darlington,” Allen said. “I really feel good about it because it signifies the way I approach my position and my duties here. I’ve always worked not to receive accolades, but for the enjoyment of seeing my efforts comes to life and to witness the satisfaction people feel as a result of my work and the things that I do here. Working here at Darlington is much more than a job for me. It has become a large part of who I am. I strive every day to become better at my job so that it reflects on my employees as well as the Darlington Community.”
