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WEEKLY Issue 28: Week of Dec. 5Issue 28: Week of Dec. 5
Q8: Mission/Purpose Q8: Mission/Purpose
ENGAGEENGAGE
Holiday Holidays!
Traverse City, MI, P&DC wishes you
a happy peak season! We Are Santa Claus P.2
Fun Holiday Photos Wanted!
The 12 Days of Engagement P.3
Fun Engagement Day across Florida
P. 10-12
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Yes, there’s a Santa Claus! Q8: Mission/Purpose
Do you believe? Employees want to believe in the purpose of their employer. As a result, excellent performance occurs when people are deeply attached to this sense of purpose in their lives. When employees feel and believe their jobs are important, they will want to excel in their positions.
Postal Pulse Q08: The mission or purpose of my company makes me feel my job is important.
Think of wearing the same thick, hot, red wool suit every day and having to smile and be jolly to satisfy every customer. That is quite a responsibility. Now think of wearing the same carrier uniform, retail associate shirt and name tag, or tie and business attire as worn by
supervisors or Postmasters to work. Think of the same mail processing machine or same mail handler assignment, and envision having to keep the same area clean in the maintenance department, conducting the same type of machine repairs as electronic technicians do, or operating the same two-ton truck that moves the mail from facility to facility every day. These types of jobs can strain one’s patience or challenge the ability to stay positive — particularly if an employee or team is not engaged.
Aside from the duty to wear his traditional suit every day, what then are Santa’s expectations, mission and purpose? Many question his existence or don’t believe in him at all. And those who do believe in him often expect the impossible, rarely caring about what he has to endure to meet their expectations. If we get what we ask for, then it’s “Good Old Santa.” But forget the batteries, a gift or two, or worst-case scenario — gifts are delivered under someone else’s tree — then expect all the jokes about his weight, the reindeer and the North Pole. Customer complaints become polarized! (Pun intended). He also has to keep up with all the latest technology, train new elves and retain current elves. Santa is the boss and a leader at running a business. He has to remain jolly. But we also have a stake in his existence.
What then, are the expectations, mission and purpose of the Postal Service? Many customers trust us, but they also want reliable, affordable, cost-effective service. Do you think they consider what we endure? Possibly. But they also expect on-time delivery, the ability to track packages, and smiling faces from USPS employees.
We certainly would like to be called jolly, so smiling — whenever and wherever possible — should be our trademark. Forget a scan or two, provide a less-than-positive customer experience and here come all the jokes and videos of packages being thrown or negative verbatim from point-of-sale surveys. We also have to keep up with the latest technology, new hires, and existing employee retention. Further, we all have the responsibility of being a boss, leader and ambassador for our organization. We are running a business and we all have a stake in our existence. Just like Santa.
So what Santa’s secret? Elf Engagement. His elves know what’s expected of them and they have the right tools to do their jobs. He reminds them to bring their best every day. The atmosphere at the North Pole is centered on fun, but always focused on the customer. When elves do good work, they are recognized and personal development is encouraged. Always knowing their abilities, Santa meets with them and listens to their concerns. He needs feedback to stay current about what his customer and employee needs are.
Friendships are fostered and timely talks are given. The countdown of how many days until Christmas is posted daily. The elves also have opportunities to work and “grow”(well, not literally, because they are elves). This atmosphere was not always present (another pun intended) but created.
We should be proud to encourage employee engagement at all levels of the organization — all eyes are on the most efficient and largest Postal System in the world during our season and throughout the year.
Psst … that’s no secret!
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Holiday Engagement
Thank you to all who submitted song lyrics for this season’s 12 Days of Engagement song contest! Now we need your help to illustrate each day of engagement. Each photo will be entered into our engagement song slide show, which will be released with next week’s newsletter. Gather your work unit and take a photo illustrating any of the 12 days of engagement. Deadline for submissions: Dec. 11
Email: [email protected]
Here are the winning lyrics we need illustrations for:
On the 1st day of engagement my leader gave to me…………..the best stand-up talk ever.
(Hopland, CA, Post Office)
On the 2nd day of engagement my leader gave to me…………... 2 pairs of gloves.
(Jeff Bickish Jr., Postmaster, Clark Fork, ID)
On the 3rd day of engagement my leader gave to me…………..3 opportunities.
(Deirdra Rhodes, Postmaster, Cocoa, FL)
On the 4th day of engagement my leader gave to me………….. 4 ‘That ’a girl’s!
(Christine McDonald, retail associate, Francisco, IN)
On the 5th day of engagement my leader gave to me………….. 5 days of leave.
(Jeff Bickish Jr., Postmaster, Clark Fork, ID)
On the 6th day of engagement my leader gave to me…………..6 minutes mentoring.
(Terry Duke, retail associate, Everson, PA)
On the 7th day of engagement my leader gave to me…………..7 new ways of listening.
(Mark Wahl, engagement ambassador, Eastern Area)
On the 8th day of engagement my leader gave to me…………..8 postal proud people.
(Christine McDonald, retail associate, Francisco, IN)
On the 9th day of engagement my leader gave to me…………..9 carriers sorting.
(Heather Deyarmon, retail associate, Irondale, OH)
On the 10th day of engagement my leader gave to me…………..10 friends I’m keeping.
(Jeff Bickish Jr., Postmaster, Clark Fork, ID)
On the 11th day of engagement my leader gave to me…………..11 steps to progressing.
(Terry Duke, retail associate, Everson, PA)
On the 12th day of engagement my leader gave to me…………..12 months of learning.
(Bob Brooks, engagement ambassador, Northeast Area)
The 12 Days of Engagement Song Photo Contest!
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QuoteQuote of the week of the week
“We can not solve our problems with the
same level of thinking that created them.”
— Albert Einstein
Submitted by Audrey Meloni, classification specialist,
Washington, DC
Share your favorite quotes about
mission and purpose with us.
Email: [email protected]
Show Some Love: CFC
We are heading into the final weeks of the 2016 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). The official last day to pledge is Dec. 15, 2016. There is still time to make a difference in someone’s life. Let’s work together to ensure that every employee is informed about the opportunity to give through the campaign. You can show some love this year with CFC by giving back to more than 18,000 organizations — nationwide or right in your
community. The CFC goal is “100 percent ask and 100 percent awareness.” Give our employees a chance to say, “Yes!”
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Deck the Halls
Holiday Engagement
Who has the best decorated work unit for the holidays? We would love to share photos all month of your work unit or employees all decked out in holiday cheer. At the end of the month, we’ll let you vote for the best decorated.
Email: [email protected]
“The holidays are a great reason to boost company morale and remind each other that time spent with our ‘office family’ does not have to always entail all work and no play.
There are more ways to spread joy in the office than the usual holiday party. For example, this year the HR Strategy and Technology Solutions team embraced the season with an innovative Christmas tree made up of Post-it notes. While we like the idea of decorating for the holidays, it is refreshing to see something a little less tradition-bound. Behold their zero-maintenance wall alternative.”
Elda Merho, administrative assistant, Washington, DC
“Happy Holidays from the Cardiss Collins
Facility, Chicago!”
Crystal Flynn, retail associate, Chicago
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Deck the Halls
Holiday Engagement
The Elmira, NY, LLV is pictured all gussied up and waiting to be called into place Nov. 25 for the 60th annual Elmira downtown holiday parade.
The LLV was bedazzled with postal blue LED bicycle lights, garland, wreaths, postal banners and posters to kick off the holiday season through downtown Elmira.
Elmira Rural Carrier Trainer Deb Sullivan has been the parade coordinator for the past 30 years.
The parade was televised live locally on WETM-TV 18 and will be re-broadcast several times throughout December.
The truck was announced at the parade with kudos: “Here come our friends from the Elmira Postal Service as they prepare to deliver those thousands of packages during this very busy time of year. They do a great job all year long, but this is their specialty!”
Greetings from Elmira, NY, Sales Associate Laura L. Castle and her grandson Paul as she requests that we “Handle every delivery with care … each one is special!”
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Q. Engagement Challenge
Next Week’s Engagement Challenge:
In your words, what is the mission and purpose of your unit? If you don’t know, what would be the best way to get employees in your unit to know it?
Email: [email protected]
Who is the highest-ranking person in the organization who you have met and under what circumstances?
“During my almost 35 years as an employee, I have been fortunate to meet two sitting, and one future, Postmasters General (PMG). All three encounters happened because I have done various kinds of Postal Service artwork during most of my career.
The first encounter was in 1993 around the time the first Elvis Presley stamp was released, when I did a multi-piece lobby display. We enlisted an Elvis impersonator and invited the public and the Elvis fan club. Local TV stations covered the event. Shortly after the release, our Portland, ME, Post Office had a visit from PMG Marvin Runyon, who was a big fan of Elvis. He very meticulously viewed every part of the lobby display including two windows containing portraits I painted of Elvis. He asked who had done the
The second PMG I had the pleasure of meeting was Jack Potter. He came to Scarborough, ME, to help celebrate the opening of our new processing plant in October 2006. I had been asked to design programs, invitations and other items for the event, including a drawing of the plant that would hang in the entrance. Below is a photo of PMG Potter and me standing in front of the drawing.
At that same event, our current PMG Megan J. Brennan, who at that time worked in Northeast Area, was also in attendance. In addition to the plant drawing previously mentioned, I also did amore stylized version, which we framed and gave as gifts to the dignitaries attending the grand opening. PMG Brennan was one of the dignitaries who received a framed picture along with then Maine District Manager Julius Locklear.”
Cathey Butts, secretary, Portland, ME
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Engagement Spirit
Kingston Post Office Tour
“The Zane Trace Elementary School brought four classes to tour the Kingston, OH, Post Office in October. Each child bought a stamp and placed it on an envelope addressed to his or her home. The accompanying photo is of a thank you poster the children signed, including pictures of the visit.” +
Linda L. Ratliff, Postmaster, Kingston, OH
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Engagement Recognition
Recognizing Greatness
The San Francisco International Service Center is proud of its employees! Recently, mail handler Alberto Perez was recognized by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for extending himself beyond his duties to assist CBP in the capture of a female scarabaeidae dynastinidae, more commonly known as a rhinoceros beetle.
The beetles are harmless to humans, but some males of the species can grow up to 6 inches long. Regulations prohibit the beetles from being mailed internationally and permits are required to ship them domestically. Because of their size and distinctive appearance, they are popular among some people as pets.
Leticia Capristo, manager, distribution operations, San Francisco
One of our employees, Driver Safety Instructor Matthew Negron, who is a Reservist in the New York District, nominated his safety manager to receive the “Patriotic Employer” award from the Office of the Secretary for the Guard and Reserve. Thank you, Michelle Meyer, for your continued support of the Guard and Reserve.
Vanessa Duncan-Smith, human resources manager, New York
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Engagement Spirit
Fun Engagement Day across Florida
The Ybor plant Team had a “Fun Engagement Day.” They celebrated Nov. 15 by wearing attire showing their favorite teams.
The Ft. Myers plant team dressed in ’70s attire for its “Fun Engagement Day.”
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Engagement Spirit
Fun Engagement Day across Florida The Mid-Florida team had a “Fun Engagement Day” with everyone wearing jerseys from their favorite teams to show their spirit! Hats off to all who participated.
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Engagement Spirit
Fun Engagement Day across Florida The Orlando team and the Seminole plant team had a “Fun Engagement Day” where everyone wore crazy hats and socks.
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Engagement Action
Arizona District kicked off fiscal year 2017 with a management staff meeting in New Mexico, held at a Dave & Buster’s restaurant.
District Manager John DiPeri and Senior Plant Manager Clyde Jones spoke about what being a leader means, and the power of engaging employees in order to meet and exceed goals.
Management reviewed last year’s accomplishments and challenges for 2017. They also spoke about the power of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) process to empower employees and make small changes toward improvements. A presentation was given about the importance of safety and accident reduction, and Marketing offered ideas to increase sales and demonstrated the importance of quality customer service.
Several managers were awarded LSS Green Belt plaques. There were 63 Arizona and New Mexico employees who earned LSS Green Belt status in 2016.
During breaks, managers teamed up to challenge one another in brain teasers, scavenger hunts and ticket collecting contests.
If this was any indication of the competition ahead, we can expect outstanding performance and teamwork to engage and empower postal employees in 2017.
The meeting was inspiring and emphasized a united management team working toward continuous improvement throughout the year.
Execution will be the number one focus for the remainder of 2017 in New Mexico.
Arizona District Kicks off Fiscal Year
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Celebrations
Birthdays
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Celebrations
Birthdays
Want to send in a celebration announcement? Simply go to the Employee Engagement page on LiteBlue to submit your announcement for next week’s newsletter only. Deadline to submit is Sunday, Dec 11.
As always, we welcome your submissions, content suggestions, and ideas for future editions. Content submissions for next week’s newsletter are due by Sunday, Dec. 11. Please be sure to include all names and job titles of employees featured in any photos. Submit to [email protected] and please keep reading.
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Postal Anniversaries
Celebrations
Retirements
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Celebrations
Wedding Anniversaries
Baby Births
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Solution to Last Month’s Crossword
Winners to last month’s crossword puzzle
Engagement Crossword
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RaeAnn Allen Retail associate Ozawkie, KS Tracey V. Stark Complaints & Inquiry Clerk Detroit Geneva Sanders Product Information Quality Analyst St. Louis Susan Jablonski Mailing requirements Reading, PA Vanessa Tedesco Mail processing clerk Pittsburgh Donna Rozniack Retail associate Hadlyme, CT Clarice Durden Administrative Assistant Birmingham, AL Michelle Iles Personnel security technician Memphis, TN LaQuita Scales District contract technician San Francisco Rebecca Hofman Computer systems analyst Eagan, MN Patricia Tadesse Secretary Denver Daphne McClain Manager, learning development & diversity Birmingham, AL Valarie Rother A/Bank Secrecy Act compliance analyst Washington, DC Sharron Hill Mail class clerk Memphis, TN Marcia Candella Mail processing clerk Chicago Heather Deyarmon Retail associate Irondale, OH Anna White Storekeeper auto parts Erie, PA Jennifer Mayo Administrative assistant Capitol Heights, MD Lenore Vigneau Postmaster Godley, TX Deanna Spencer Retail associate Wedron, IL Roseann Hudson Mail processing clerk Gainesville, FL Maureen Benmbarek Address management systems technician Tampa, FL Christina Sickmond Field sales representative Ft. Myers, FL Marlene Thompson Retail associate Salisbury, VT Valerie Hendrix Data collection technician Montgomery, AL Kathleen Bonnet Retail associate Loma, CO
Last Month’s Crossword Winners
Engagement Crossword