Wednesday, June 25, 2008

My Team

Wow! Because I was out sick last week, I didn't get to say good-bye to my team and it feels so strange to be leaving them for six months. I miss them already! I've got some great individuals working for me. They are all different and unique in their own special way.

April is my computer genius! I have to admit that I'm a bit technologically challenged, but April has always been ready to come to my rescue. And I have leaned on her frequently to bail me out. She too, has cats in her life, so we have this mutual connection and seem to love many of the same things. She loves nature and so do I. April has a generous heart for animals and creatures of all kinds.

Angela and Gaylynn are my newest promotions. They will lead the strategic and operational performance functions. They are doing a fine job juggling their overlapping assignments. We are a bit short-staffed and have been for a long time. Even though they carry multiple assignments, they are doing it well. Gaylynn is methodical, a quick study, and detailed to the point.

Angela connects easily with people because of her soft-spoken personality. Personally she has had a challenging year; she lost an Uncle, her Mom has not been well, and she's persevered through some other tough situations, but no one would know! She hasn't missed a beat, regardless of the many responsibilities on her plate...and her children are her priority number ONE! They are lucky kids and are blessed to have such a devoted Mom!

Now John, he's a character. He is from Headquarters and is full of confidence...one of the most important traits for success! He is also very "tongue in cheek" FUNNY! He keeps us all laughing!! John has a calm, charismatic personae. In the beginning I found myself wondering what he was up to...but I've learned that he's methodical and paces himself to get the job done on-time!! I've even teased him that he came equipped with the more "modern" brain-cells because he is up with the times, fast thinking, computer literate. A real asset to this old gal!!

Our other Angela...can you believe there are two? She is quiet, but under the surface takes charge. She has met with some forceful personalities on the national team when coordinating to get stuff accomplished. Yet she continues to keep her beautiful smile regardless of what she is experiencing under the surface! She is steady and never loses her cool. Our team really looks up to her!

Our secretary...now in transition to a management and program analyst ...Tamisha! Oh my, what can I say? This gal is really something too!! She is another one who came to us from Headquarters and I thank my lucky stars for this employee!! I mentioned her earlier in my blog and I know over the years I will watch her soar. She is extremely capable, but attitude is her greatest attribute. She has worked for months juggling priorities for several "bosses." Now that's the toughest job of all. Yet, I've rarely seen her mood deviate from joyful, pleasant, happy, helpful. This one is memorable!! I will miss her smiling face and her help keeping me on track.

Darrell, one of my newest staff members has also made quite an impression on me. He is a retired employee, back as a contractor...and has a world of experience to bring to this team. He too is quiet...but is determined and hard-working. He recently returned home early from the U.S. Open to work on a deadline. Now that's dedication! He came to me highly recommended and it's easy to see why people have so much respect for this gentleman.

Two employees who have recently left the team for "greener pastures" are Larry and Dianne. They are not only prior staffers of mine, but are now dear friends. Both of them have solid work ethics; I could always count on them to deliver. Larry too has years of experience commanding naval officers...so I relied on him tremendously for his solid, integrity-filled advice. Dianne is creative, clever, capable and hard working. And...there is no one with such a great southern drawl as she!!! From Dianne, I've learned to use the expression:
"W-e-l-l...I reckon!!!"

But what's most important about this team are the friendships...the connections, the ties we've all developed. We've had some rough days and a few misunderstandings along the way, but this team...that I fondly refer to as "my team"...has seen me through the most difficult year of my life! They tolerated my grief even when they didn't quite understand it. And for that...well how can I ever repay them?

Good luck and God-speed Performance Analysis Team!! I know you will continue to do a great job while I'm gone. I do hope you will occasionally pick up the phone and give me a call while I'm away at Headquarters. I will miss each and every one of you and will look forward to hearing your voices over the wire. Thank you for all you've given me! Lucy

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