Quick InterviewWhat five words best describe you?Words that I use to describe myself are detailed, adaptable, decisive, organized, and dedicated. The devil is in the details, or so the saying goes. I have found that often the key to successfully taking an initiative from concept to practice is managing the details. This applies to focusing on the critical details, as well as neutralizing issues that are non-critical but time-consuming. Adaptability is critical to succeed in today’s constantly changing business environment. I can quickly adjust to new situations and find creative solutions to challenges. Decisiveness is a important attribute in a fast-paced organization. I have found that the ability to gather the pertinent people and/or details together to make a decision on how to proceed will often make the difference in the success of a project. Organization is a key attribute that allows me to effectively manage multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously. I am a "list maker" who utilizes all the tools at my disposal to keep myself and others on track. To me, the word dedication means that I fully support the organization I belong to, and will do everything in my power to enhance that organization. I am in it for the long haul. What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?I spend my free time training for, and competing in triathlons. I enjoy the constant variety of swimming, biking, and running, as well as the camaraderie of the people I train with. The schedule juggling required for this sport is a natural fit for my organizational skills as well as a test of my focus and self-discipline. Until just recently, I was also very active in instructing a local high school marching band color guard. During the 12 years I was involved in this program I was responsible for all choreography, uniform and flag design, and instruction for a group of about a dozen high school girls. This was an excellent creative outlet for me, as well as a test of my leadership skills. What make's a great boss?My experiences from both sides of the table lead me to believe that a great boss is someone who is ready to listen and engage in meaningful dialog about an issue. A great boss does not dictate precisely what needs to be done, but instead works collaboratively with the team to develop the best solution. Fostering an atmosphere of trust and respect and treating team members as valuable resources motivates people to perform. At the same time, a great boss must have the fortitude to make difficult decisions. A great boss acts as a teacher, sharing knowledge and information in order to develop and enhance the members of the team. What is your yardstick for success?I prefer to use the analogy of a tape measure instead of a yardstick. I measure my personal success by my ability to achieve the goals I have set for myself. The goal could be to learn a new process or software, or to meet a targeted business metric, or to implement a new process by a specific deadline. The important thing is that once that goal is met, the tape measure slides out a bit further and I continue to challenge myself to do even better. Life is a constant process of learning, changing and growing...both personally and professionally. What are your long-term professional goals?I have spent my entire career working for the same organization. Although I have enjoyed what I have done, I would love to learn a new business, a new industry. I would like to spend time learning as I move through various positions within a new company. This would enable me to use my knack for continuous improvement along the way, so that I can gain a rich understanding of the business. The knowledge gained would enable me to become the great boss I have described above and allow me to positively impact the business in a tangible way. |
