Q2 Value Award - Communicate Openly With Confidence And Respect
It’s possible to be good at talking and poor at communication. It’s possible to not have the ability to talk and be great at communication. Haley can talk, and she utilizes this ability often. Just ask her co-workers.
Clickstop expects that all employees will communicate openly with confidence and respect. This is held to such a high standard that we have made it a Core Value. But what does this mean exactly?
Communication 101
Great communication involves great listening and the ability to ask thoughtful questions to seek understanding. It’s also the ability to remain calm and approachable in stressful situations. Maintaining objectivity is critical to keeping the blood pressure low and nerves in check.
Trusting that your co-workers have your best interest in mind, as well as that of the company, is also a pre-requisite. For Haley, this is where great communication met resistance.
Embrace The Value
Prior to Clickstop, Haley’s perception of sharing ideas and challenging assumptions was that it wasn’t welcome. The expectation could be stated as: keep ideas to yourself and just do what you’re told. Things seemed to go more smoothly for her when she held herself to this expectation. But at the core of challenging assumptions was the desire to better connect to what needed to be done and why. The lack of clarifying questions left her feeling disconnected and frustrated by the inability to participate in developing processes that would improve results.
Clickstop expects that employees will proactively pursue the information that they’re seeking and will be courageous in challenging assumptions. This expectation is rooted in the belief that we are a collection of individuals with strengths. When individuals are removed from participation in the development of strategies, so too are the strengths that they bring to the decision making.
Haley has seized the opportunity to communicate openly with confidence and respect. She is more connected to her work and her company than she knew was possible. She, and her team, have grown because of her contributions to the conversation.
The Interview
It’s now time to let Haley speak for herself. She’s been patiently awaiting her opportunity. 😊
What is your role at Clickstop?
I am a Finance Specialist. Which basically just means that I get to do number things all day.
How long have you worked here?
Since January 8, 2018.
What brought you to Clickstop and why is it such a good fit for you?
I was working as a paralegal for over 7 years before coming here. I loved it, but I was ready to be a part of something bigger. Clickstop makes you want to be a better person, both inside and outside of these walls. It’s incredible to be a part of a company that expects you to live by a set of core values. I’m also encouraged by the opportunities here. I feel like you can go anywhere as a Clickstopper!
How do you relate to this core value?
I keep joking that if I was ever going to win any Core Value Award, it would of course be the one that praises me for talking. Hello Chatty Kathy over here! Sometimes I just talk and I’ll say things and no one in Finance responds. I think I’m funny but I’m the only one laughing. But in all seriousness, I think Communication is one of the biggest areas of growth I’ve had since coming here. Not that I was ever shy (don’t be fooled!), but speaking honestly with confidence was sometimes hard for me. Since coming here, I’ve learned the power and importance of being open and how far it can take you and your whole team! It’s been an incredible eye-opener for me, and I’m so fortunate to work closely with an amazing team who really takes this core value to heart.
What advice would you give to others who want to embrace this core value?
Don’t be afraid to speak up or ask questions. We’re all here to succeed and to grow together, and timidity will only hinder that growth. Don’t be afraid to question certain practices if you think there’s a better or more efficient way to do it. The worst thing that happens is someone tells you you’re crazy (not that I’m speaking from experience…). But even then, your idea might have sparked someone else to think differently, which could lead to something just as amazing. Open communication is the key to turning ideas into something tangible!
When do you feel truly “alive” at work?
I get all giddy when I can make a process more efficient and streamlined. I’ve been obsessed with creating macros lately in Excel. (Nerd alert!) I also truly love spending time with my team and always look forward to team lunches or meetings. I am so blessed to get to work alongside such awesome people every day.
What small gesture from a coworker made a big impact on you?
Everyone is always ready to help and encourage one another. I never have to be afraid to ask for help, or be worried that an accomplishment will go unnoticed. It’s in those moments that it hits me that we’re a part of something bigger here.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I think I’ve learned what it truly means to value how we work, not just the work that we do. Anyone can do the work, and while there’s obviously value there, it’s the way that you do it that makes all the difference in the world. It makes coming to work exciting and enjoyable; it turns work from a place you have to go to get a paycheck to a place where you get to work on becoming your best self for the betterment of everyone (and get paid in the process 😉). It’s a game changer!
What can we find you doing when you’re not at work?
I love being outside! You can find me hanging out with my husband, super cool 2.5 year old daughter and my naughty dog Juko, swimming, jogging (I don’t run – I just walk quickly with a little bounce), gardening, camping, boating. You get the idea.
Cats or Dogs?
I want All. The. Dogs.