Post by Ginny Andrews on Jun 1, 2021 17:57:03 GMT
1. In considering the overall culture in your area, what are the elements that you believe underscore a positive, can-do culture?
It is vitally important for everyone to understand and believe in the mission of our organization. To remain positive in times of adversity—we all need to be on the same page, understand and work toward a common goal. Promoting our mission and belief that our program and supports are of great value to families in Maine is a really important factor in promoting our positive can -do culture. I work toward promoting this goal with all of my staff. We all want to see improvement in our children's lives-and stay focused on being able to create change.
2. What strengths do you bring as a leader that will specifically fortify a can-do culture in your area? Please give an example.
In one of our first exercises during Leadership Academy, we had to create a “personal brand”. Mine was “Optimistic but Realistic”. I do consider myself to be ready and willing to take on challenges. I have always been able to roll with whatever comes my way– but also, I can see challenges that may arise. I can control my emotions when in the middle of a difficult situation.
Over the past 14+ months, staffing in my office has been a challenge. Up until very recently, it has been an Administrative Assistant and me working with participants. We have relied on getting assistance from staff in other offices across the state. This has been very challenging as the Administrative Assistant had to really step up and take on new responsibilities as an Employment Specialist. My encouragement and support of her ability to complete these tasks was one way that I fortified the can-do culture. She has now promoted into the Employment Specialist position and I hope that my support of her ability and my positive energy has made her successful.
3. How do you go about influencing others (in any area of your life)? What tactics do you use to influence behavior or actions of others?
I strive to be open and welcoming to anyone who wants to share something with me and that I am trying to assist. I think it is important to always validate their situation or feelings about a topic or circumstance. I also try to ask questions about their views or situation. I listen to what they have to say as this gives them time to blow off steam and be heard. I think this makes me accessible and more real and authentic. I am not the expert in anyone else’s life. I try to offer positive feedback and provide guidance on how they might improve even more in a particular area.
It is vitally important for everyone to understand and believe in the mission of our organization. To remain positive in times of adversity—we all need to be on the same page, understand and work toward a common goal. Promoting our mission and belief that our program and supports are of great value to families in Maine is a really important factor in promoting our positive can -do culture. I work toward promoting this goal with all of my staff. We all want to see improvement in our children's lives-and stay focused on being able to create change.
2. What strengths do you bring as a leader that will specifically fortify a can-do culture in your area? Please give an example.
In one of our first exercises during Leadership Academy, we had to create a “personal brand”. Mine was “Optimistic but Realistic”. I do consider myself to be ready and willing to take on challenges. I have always been able to roll with whatever comes my way– but also, I can see challenges that may arise. I can control my emotions when in the middle of a difficult situation.
Over the past 14+ months, staffing in my office has been a challenge. Up until very recently, it has been an Administrative Assistant and me working with participants. We have relied on getting assistance from staff in other offices across the state. This has been very challenging as the Administrative Assistant had to really step up and take on new responsibilities as an Employment Specialist. My encouragement and support of her ability to complete these tasks was one way that I fortified the can-do culture. She has now promoted into the Employment Specialist position and I hope that my support of her ability and my positive energy has made her successful.
3. How do you go about influencing others (in any area of your life)? What tactics do you use to influence behavior or actions of others?
I strive to be open and welcoming to anyone who wants to share something with me and that I am trying to assist. I think it is important to always validate their situation or feelings about a topic or circumstance. I also try to ask questions about their views or situation. I listen to what they have to say as this gives them time to blow off steam and be heard. I think this makes me accessible and more real and authentic. I am not the expert in anyone else’s life. I try to offer positive feedback and provide guidance on how they might improve even more in a particular area.