Q1 2019 Rock Star: Sara Alden
We work hard to create and sustain an environment where our employees can thrive. To thrive is to grow and develop well, personally and professionally. It’s progress towards the goals of the person and the business.
The Fuel for Growth
Development within the values that unite us is the catalyst for personal growth. It occurs when the person consistently aligns actions with the stated values. This requires discipline. Discipline leads to maturation. Maturation leads to greater impact. Employees, friends and family members will benefit from their relationships with this type of person. He or she will inspire them to live consistently through the values.
Professional growth is tied to the development of skills required to effectively run the business. As the employee skills grow, the impact deepens, and the range of support broadens.
The experience of rapid, simultaneous growth – personally and professionally – is the experience of thriving. It’s an opportunity presented to each member of Team Clickstop, but it’s up to the individual to own it. The fuel for rapid, simultaneous growth is the drive of the employee.
The Clickstop Rock Star
Once a quarter, we recognize a team member who is living out Clickstop’s Core Values with excellence over a sustained period, especially during the quarter in evaluation. Additionally, this person is performing above and beyond the expectations of their role, helping us achieve our business results.
Sara Alden is the team member we’ve chosen to recognize from Q1 2019.
Sara is 100% Team Clickstop. She readily embraces change and inspires others to pursue it in ways that create immediate and sustained results. She has been courageous in sharing feedback, leading to greater success for Clickstop and its employee owners.
Her work with the Clickstop Accelerator Team and Clean Laundry has contributed to the GPA growth of each platform. Sara filled an essential need at an essential time.
Sara’s pursuit of greatness has been, and will continue to be, a journey. As a now two-time recipient of this award, it could be assumed that she remains the same Rock Star that won the award 5 years ago. But once a Rock Star does not equate to always a Rock Star. This award isn’t a reflection of who she was at that time; it’s a reflection of who she is today.
Truth is, she’s grown. Through her commitment to how we work, belief in what’s possible and dedication to helping us achieve our business results, Sara has continued her personal and professional development, and in turn, bettered our people and our business.
Thankyou, Sara. And well done!
The Interview
What is your role at Clickstop?
For Q1 of 2019, I was on the Accelerator Team as a Marketing Activator. Today, I am working on the Clean Laundry team as a Marketing Strategist.
How long have you worked at Clickstop?
Just under 7 years. My hire date was June 13, 2012, it was a clear and sunny Wednesday.
How did you feel upon being recognized for this award?
I feel very humbled and overcome with shock. We work with a lot of amazing people; to be recognized and awarded the Rock Star is very humbling.
What do you believe has led up to this recognition?
I intentionally work to do the right thing in everything I do. I know we can achieve more as a team and I recognize the strengths of others and seek outside experience and perspectives. I approach challenges with the intention of finding scalable, longer-term solutions and work to focus and execute on today’s need while having an awareness and planning for future goals.
Have you had struggles within the Core Values? If so, what have they been and how did you overcome them?
Yes, I have. I’m a task focused person and have had the most challenge with our Make Time for Fun & Family core value. I focus a lot on the work, completing a project and moving on to the next objective. Becoming a mom has helped me learn to take more time for play and to be silly, making time for what’s really important, the small micro moments that often feels less productive, all because I love to see my 2-year-old smile. Hearing your kiddo giggle is the happiest sound in the world. The Accelerator team has made a lasting impact on my growth to find better balance with work and fun. They are a great bunch who know how to work hard and make time to have fun, even if done in short bursts.
What has been a key to your success at Clickstop?
A continual drive for self-improvement, listening and accepting challenging feedback from both peers and leaders, learning new things outside my comfort zone, and to always choosing to do the right thing.
What message do you have for those who are seeking employment at Clickstop?
Clickstop and change are synonymous. We are a group of highly talented people who have high expectations of ourselves and each other. We grow fast because we remain agile and embrace change. If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference and feel like your current employment doesn’t provide you with opportunity, you’ll find it at Clickstop, but you’ll have to own it for yourself. Our people are great, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a better group of people that genuinely care for one another and who work as hard as they play.
What message do you have for those who are looking to improve themselves personally and professionally?
Find someone who does well whatever you are seeking to do. Find ways to understand their methods, have conversations, maybe even ask them to mentor you, or at a minimum enjoy a cup of coffee and a morning discussion. If you don’t have a mentor, I would recommend connecting with several mentors. Each of us is better at different things and have varying perspectives, all of which can add value and shape your growth. Surround yourself with people who are where you want to be either personally or professionally.
What brought you to Clickstop?
My sister-in-law Sara Wilkins started working at Clickstop a couple of months before me. She knew I was wanting a workplace change and referred me to Clickstop. I am so very grateful she did. Thank you @Sara Wilkins!
What keeps you at Clickstop?
I want to say Todd’s planter’s wart stories (just kidding). In all seriousness, I love my relationships at Clickstop – many are my close friends. I’ve enjoyed being part of and witnessing rapid growth. I’m excited to continue the adventure; I know there are even more great accomplishments ahead of us.
Tell us about your first cell phone? What were the features?
The year was 2001 and my first phone was a Motorola V60 (non-smart, flip phone). The screen was tiny compared to modern smart phones and the display text was black, no color or touchscreen functionality. I don’t remember if I could text or not, if I could I was charged per text message. I still have my first phone in case anyone wants to see a dinosaur phone.
What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
A produce hobby farm. I’ve done one for a single growing season back in 2011. I sold produce at the Cedar Rapids Farmers Market. It was very fulfilling to be out in nature and nurture my crops. I farmed 2 acres and it was a lot of work and required a lot of time. I did not make very much money, but the experience was great, and it was wonderful for balancing the mind and body.
What book do you most remember from your childhood?
I loved the Very Hungry Caterpillar. It was full of bright colors and I loved the holes where he ate through all the food. And of course, who doesn’t love the butterfly in the end?