Quick InterviewWhat five words best describe you?Thoughful, creative, trustworthy, diligent, and focused. What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?Reading is definitely a passion of mine, especially non-fiction. I love to learn new things. I also love to play music. I play several instruments and sitting around with new people, collaborating on learning or writing a new song is always relaxing. What make's a great boss?A great boss begins by setting clear expectations and then giving their team the tools and abilities to reach the next milestone. A great boss accomplishes this by getting to know their employees and their strengths and weaknesses. If you play to someone’s strengths, they will accomplish more and will love their job. It is also the job of a great boss to coach people forward, not push. Recognize the weaknesses holding people back and help them overcome them. Either through training and development opportunities, or through helping them realize their weaknesses and learn to work around them. I do not think a person is born a great boss. It may be more natural to some than to others, but it takes work and the recognition that you aren’t just a boss but a leader. You must feel comfortable to make decisions, provide direction, focus on the problems and not just who to blame. A great boss will set the tone of the workplace and make it a place people want to be. What is your yardstick for success?People. The proper business term is stakeholders, but I like to remember that stakeholders are usually people. Success should be a win-win for everyone. Success for me is happy vendors, suppliers, employees, executives, stockholders, distribution partners, clients, and customers. If everyone is happy and satisfied, you are moving in the right direction. Profits, growth and new opportunities will naturally follow. I realize that this is not always possible, but if you focus on making as many situations a win for everyone, the long-term prospect of success is virtually guaranteed. What are your long-term professional goals?I have learned that long-term goals are best achieved when I break them into shorter goals. My short-term goal is to find a position that will put me in a forward-moving company with solid performance and future projections. My long-term goals involve making a positive impact through my expertise while growing with a company where I can continue to learn, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute as much value as I can. |