A Winning Team

A natural curiosity arises when we encounter a successful team.  We peer into it and seek to understand what is contributing to their success.  The formula, when identified, is never complex, but that doesn’t mean it’s simple.  Simplicity suggests that it can be done quickly and with little effort but winning doesn’t come that easily.  Ask any championship team if the feat was easy.  It wasn’t.

We, as people, can be quite fickle.  One moment, we are eager, excited and enthusiastic.  Then suddenly, and without warning, we can be moved from this place of peace into a storm of worry, frustration or fear.  To be successful, a team needs to maintain focus on the goal and keep a true measure of progress towards it.  This helps to steady the ship and prevent the drastic shifts between feelings of harmony and chaos.

The most successful teams have team members who are aware of what’s happening around them and

are willing to be vulnerable and courageous in stepping into the shoes of others.  These teammates are able to pour time and energy into the details of their job while keeping their eyes and ears open to what’s going on around them; speaking up and speaking to.

Recently, Clickstop recognized two team members who fit this description, and awarded them with the Promote A Winning Team Spirit award.

Let me introduce you to our first recipient, Phil Kramer.

The Story

It’s like a Chef preparing a meal or an artist at work.  You watch them work without knowing fully what it’s going to look like in the end.  You see a few colors begin to appear, or the aroma of the first few ingredients as they sizzle in the pan.  Layer upon layer is added until you begin to see the image unfolding.  The smells are coming together and the arrangement of food on the plate draws you in.  You’ve enjoyed being witness to an artist at work and grow in respect for the individual who created the work.

Did you know it’s possible to handle numbers in this manner?  I wouldn’t have guessed you could until I met Phil.  Never would I have imagined that the gathering of data for making decisions could be so eagerly anticipated. His passion for gathering the data is driven by the usage of the data.  You see it in the work he does for our business.  But you see it also in the work he does for fun.

When College Football’s Bowl season or NCAA March Madness rolls around, it’s expected that Phil will open up a pool for others to join.  The experience of taking part in these competitions is unlike the rest due to Phil’s commentary as the games progress.  He’s gathering the data for the leader board while providing insight into the dynamic elements of the competition.  Leilani takes the lead, but Eric is just behind.  If North Carolina pulls out the victory, we could end up with a four-way battle for the title.  Phil uses the numbers to connect to others, and to connect others with each other.

The Interview

What is your role at Clickstop? 

Budget/Forecast Analyst

How long have you worked here?

3 Years

What is your Clickstop story? If it were a book, what would the title be and why?

Working with Friends—I feel like the people I work with are my friends.  Our Atmosphere is one that allows people to communicate with each other and build lasting relationships.

How do you relate to this core value?

Every day I come to work I take the mindset of what can I do best for the company today to make an impact.  I don’t put myself first.  I put the company and department at the forefront of my daily work.

What advice would you give to others who want to embrace this core value?

Ask the questions to figure out how you can make the biggest impact.  Become a “We” person instead of a “Me” person.

What are you most excited for or proud of on your team?

The impact we are making within the company to make us better each day.

What was the best compliment you’ve ever received at work?

I’m not sure that I can point to one, but it just feels good when someone tells you they appreciate a report you give them or let you know the work you are doing is appreciated.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?

To be ready for change and meet it head on.

What can we find you doing when you’re not at work?

Coaching Basketball, Watching my daughters play volleyball.

Last movie or book you watched/read?

Book –  “The Shack”

Movie – “Incredibles 2”