What are the results of poor communication?  Frustration.  Inefficiency.  Low morale.  Fear.  Lack of trust.  Disengagement.  If you create a list of desired results for any relationship, these will likely not make the cut.  If they do, well, don’t.  Just don’t do it.  But here’s my point, If we can so easily agree that these are not the desired outcomes of our communication, why do we still struggle against them? 

Well, we’re finicky.  It could be the tone of the conversation that leads us to assume one’s intent is different than what they’re specifically stating.  It could be the look that, to us, insinuated that the person was disinterested.  Maybe it was the suggestion that seemed abrasive and closed off to input.  Or, it was the lack of an emoji or exclamation point in the message that led me to believe they must be upset with me.  Whatever the case, we’re complex.  We have layers.  And sometimes, information filters through the layers and comes through as a completely different message than what was intended.

Sorting Through The Layers

How do we avoid poor communication within such complexity?  Be courageous, curious, trusting and objective.  Do you believe that your co-worker has the company’s best interest in mind?  If so, that should free you to engage him in a conversation about how to improve the strategies the company without fear of him taking offense.  It should also free you to have a conversation about the attitudes and actions that appear out of alignment with our values.

Building a great culture isn’t easy, but it’s also not overly complex.  It’s simply a collection of the right people doing the right things.  Those right things are a combination of how we work and the work that we do.

Lacy Curtis is someone who doesn’t avoid the hard subjects.  She addresses conversation in a manner that is respectful, productive and constructive.  If she believes it needs to be said, then she says it.  Communication is always improved when done in an open, honest, respectful and timely manner.  Lacy, thank-you for holding yourself accountable this level of communication.  Well done!

 The Interview

What is your role at Clickstop?

Business Development Consultant- US Cargo Control

How long have you worked here?

4 years!

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

“Being yourself and being successful- HAHA!” sounds like a self-help guide!

Clickstop is a place I can say that you do not have to conform. You can be yourself, capitalize on your strengths and find ways to make an impact for the company. I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity. Thank you, Bill Borchardt and Tim Guenther. Bill referred me, and Tim hired me!

How do you relate to this core value?

Communicate Openly w/ Confidence & Respect is my favorite core value, big honor in my book to be recognized for this. I like to get things out on the table and talk about them. There should be nothing that is so terrible and ugly that you cannot have a respectful discussion.

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

I like to keep an open mind and I do have my perspective and opinion, but I try and see things from others point of view as well. It just shows how people think and view things so differently and this has always been interesting to me.  Also, if you feel strongly about something you owe it to yourself to have those tough conversations. I think a lot of times people fear what the other party might think or what will they say in return but that is not for you to worry about, don’t spend time worrying about the unknown and the uncontrollable! If you are someone who finds themselves being too emotional postpone the conversation, practice with a friend or family member and put some important notes on paper.

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

I love USCC and what makes the brand for me is the people! I love to see how everyone is working so hard at their part of the process. The sales team has contact with every department and we rely on everyone to get our customers what they want- when they need it. It’s fun and exciting to see it all come together, and I am proud to be a part of that. I am excited for 2019, I think we will see record months and record orders.

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

This award. It really means a lot. I think being a good communicator is so important to life in general, so I feel like I am winning at life right now! HA!

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

Mistakes will happen. It’s how you learn from the mistakes that is important.

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

Golf, Tennis, Walking, Socializing, Cleaning!!!!

Last movie or book you watched/read? 

Book- Living Candida Free- This is about your gut health and reducing sugar and yeast from your body.

Dogs or Cats?

Hands down- DOG- but I love all animals!

What brought you to Clickstop and why is it such a good fit for you?

What brought me here was the want and need for work life balance. What will keep me here is the sense of being a part of something big, my co-workers, opportunity for personal and professional growth, and I can truly be myself here.

When do you feel truly “alive” at work? 

What excites me is watching a customer relationship and account grow. Seeing what you are doing is working and producing results.  Large orders with good GP, they really get the blood pumping!!! Trade shows- I am in my element at shows, it’s exciting! You are meeting new people; new opportunities are right in front of you and it is fun to represent our company!

What small gesture from a coworker has made a big impact on you? 

Big shout out to Leilani. She impacts my life all the time just by being herself. I aspire to be like her because she is such a good person, mother, and friend. I can count on her to listen, be honest with me, and she is just fun energy to be around which really impacts me because I feed off others’ energy.  If we did not work here we would have never crossed paths!