Workforce Essentials had another successful Employee Awards program and retreat on August 9th at Montgomery Bell State Park. Focusing on professionalism and customer service, I believe everyone learned something that will make them a better person and employee. I know that I did. Hats off to our speakers, Emily Ellis and Linda Henley-Smith. They both had positive messages that reinforced the work that we do every day.
I hope that everyone has taken the opportunity to read Professionalism is for Everyone. It is a wonderful, simple read. I particularly liked the Dos and Don’ts:
Do:
- Serve Others
- Find ways to be useful and helpful
- Be courteous, friendly, and considerate
- Be sincere and genuine in your service
- Look for ways to help others and brighten their day
Don’t:
- Wait to be asked
- Begrudge helping someone
- Be patronizing or antagonistic
- Ignore people who need help or assistance
- Treat customers as though they are an interruption to your work
You will find many more tips and suggestions in the book.
I also want to take this time to congratulate all the outstanding employees that were recognized as Award Winners! It is extremely difficult to decide who wins when you have so many outstanding staff members. However, I can tell you that this year’s winners are most deserving of the recognition. Congratulations again to this year’s winners:
Essential Instructor of the Year: Alan Mayhew
Business Services Award: Dickson County
Business Services Employee of the Year: Mary Ortiz
Witty in the Workplace: Hector Adames
Great Communicator: Helen Balthrop
Award for Leadership: Darin Montgomery
Workfirst TN Employee of the Year Regions 1 & 3: John Oakley
Workfirst TN Employee of the Year Region 3: Felicia Smith
Workfirst TN Office of the Year Regions 1 & 3: Montgomery County
Workfirst TN Office of the Year Region 2: Haywood County
Workfirst TN Retention Award Regions 1 & 3: Humphreys County
Workfirst TN Retention Award Region 2: Crockett County
Newcomers Award: Jo Highsmith, Amanda Manley and Thithialea White
Ambassador Award: Michelle McCaleb
Support Employee of the Year: Suzy Shepherd
Field Staff of the Year: Melissa Counts
Career Center of the Year: Cheatham County
Most Positive: Dorothy Newble
People’s Choice 2011-2012: Renee Hollis