Sunday, January 22, 2017

A500.2.3.RB_AndersonShane


A standard, to me, is a measurement of quality.  Before this assignment, I hadn’t thought much about the standards that are most important in my life.  However, I believe my personal standards would be organization, reliability, and effectiveness.

In other words, my work tends to be well-organized and thought out.  I like to plan and make lists in order to work more efficiently and feel that it makes me more reliable and effective.  These three standards seem to go hand-in-hand with each other. For example, making to-do lists keeps me on track throughout the work-week.  Without them, I tend to forget tasks and details.  Prioritizing the items also is another way I stay organized.  I also keep binders or articles, information, and how-to's that I've found helpful throughout my career.  These binders are organized by topics such as bullet writing and professional development. By staying organized and accomplishing tasks in a timely manner, I am reliable and remain an effective member of the team.  


I supervise over 30 members and constantly have people in and out of my office for various reasons.  It becomes hectic dealing with personnel issues on top of normal day to day tasks.  One thing I pride myself on is mentoring my troops.  I like to share knowledge and useful information with them, often mentioning articles, books or websites where I’ve received good helpful information.  I often refer to my binders of gee-whiz information as well.  During the conversations, I’ll take notes to send them the information later or bring in the books.  Without the reminder, I will most likely forget to send, print out or bring in whatever I told them about.  I show my troops that they can rely on me by following through on providing the information or data that we discussed.  



I believe I acquired the standards of being well-organized, reliable and effective while in middle school.  My childhood was rough.  I had two alcoholic parents that argued constantly.  So, I grounded myself in school work.  Focusing on assignments allowed me to forget about life’s problems.  I learned to take thorough notes and make lists to stay on track and keep organized.  Sometimes, I would copy the textbooks, word for word or retake my notes at home.  The art of writing seemed to calm me.  This practice made me a better learner and more effective student, eventually allowing me to graduate with honors.  


I’ve used those skills to this day which has helped me succeed throughout my career and professional development.  For example, I have a notebook at work which I carry around for any meetings and write down upcoming events, useful information and even phrases or sayings that I find interesting or moving.  Every few weeks or so I go through the notebook and transcribe the notes, scratching out any tasks I’ve completed or past events.  Instead of ripping out the old pages, I fold them and keep them for possible future reference.  This system is effective in keeping me organized.  Furthermore, the notes which I often refer back to keep me reliable as my memory is not so. 

Although I'm sure I've had other standards for my life throughout the years, I honestly believe that these three have endured.  However, I think the organization may have begun as a way to "feel good" and bring stability to my chaotic life.  I also think as I've aged, I been more committed to being organized, reliable and effective. For example, I now strive to be successful in all areas of my life; motherhood, career, marriage.  I want to be the best me I can be.  

In order to be effective, I must be reliable.  In order to reliable, I must be effective. 




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