The importance of your CO and your staff

There are somedays that I'm SO thankful I'm not the only RA in my building. Without my CO RA, I wonder if I'd even be alive! The relationship between you and your CO is important to keep your hall running smoothly, and here's why:

When you and your CO don't get along, residents can tell. They realize that there's a divide, and then sometimes, that can cause a divide in your community. When you and your CO aren't on the same page, it's obvious to residents as well, because they'll know which RA is "cool", and which is a stickler for the rules. Truth is, all RA's should be sticklers for the rules, or at least, on the same page as their CO! CO backup is so important!

If you and your CO don't get along, it can be awkward in the hall, and that's your home. You should be comfortable in your own home without worrying about seeing your CO, or dealing with your CO, or having your CO make big decisions without you.

You and your CO should be on the same page, always. Even if you don't get along, it's important to keep a professional relationship so that it doesn't affect your residents and the community built there. Residents should think that you and your CO are an impeccable team - not the other way around. Here are tips on how to stay on the same page!

- Tell your CO everything that happens (big stuff).

- Sit down and plan your monthly events with your CO

- Sit down and plan your bulletin boards and door tags with your CO

- Make big decisions together, never alone

- Plan for the hall meetings together, so you are both on the same page

- Support your CO's events

- Support your CO, period.

- Don't talk bad about your CO in front of your residents. It's fine to vent with friends or a boss, but never in front of your residents.

- Back up your CO if you hear your residents talking about your CO behind their back in a negative light

- Tell your supervisor if there are issues with you and your CO, big or small

These little things can help create a strong relationship with your CO, or can help it look like you like your CO. You don't have to - not everyone does or will. But it's important to put that aside to work with each other. And if your CO won't work with you, bring that up to your supervisor immediately.

You and your supervisor are on the same team - you should be telling them everything important happening with you and your CO, or with your residents. Keeping and maintaining a relationship with them is just as important as maintaining one with your CO.