Eyes & Ears: Honesty, positivity brighten offices

December’s quality attribute was “honesty,” while January elicited reader responses for the word “attitude.” The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, which leads this community initiative, defines honesty: “to tell the truth, to be fair and straightforward and to lead a life of honor and dignity,” and attitude: “to be positive when dealing with others, to believe in yourself and to approach challenges with optimism.”

Examples of these character traits being put to work follow.

Attitude

Person who exemplifies “attitude” at work: Sharon Vickers-Scheiderer

Company, title: The Bank of Missouri, vice president

Submitted by: Carol D. Mihalevich 

How does Sharon Vickers-Scheiderer exemplify attitude? A fellow bank vice president, Sharon is an individual that comes to work every day with a smile on her face, an attitude of cooperation and a desire to provide our customers with excellence in service. She always addresses issues from a positive perspective and takes great care to pay respect to each and every customer. Those of us lucky enough to work with and for her are reminded daily of her core values and how those values relate to her commitment to service. Sharon embodies the words responsible, caring, honest, courtesy, trustworthy and personal integrity.

Person who exemplifies “attitude” at work: Patrick White

Company, title: Terracon, construction materials technician

Submitted by: Matthew Council

How does Patrick White exemplify attitude? My co-worker, Patrick, breathes attitude. He is always the first to step up and take a challenge. When asking for help, Patrick is the first to volunteer. He is currently working more than 50 hours a week and is always on time and positive on the job site – including the juggling of multiple subcontractors, eager to help, always laughing and smiling, and usually the last to leave at night. Patrick exemplifies the positive attitude 24/7.

Person who exemplifies “attitude” at work: Rick “CP” Shortt

Company, title: JPMorgan Chase Bank, instructional design specialist

Submitted by: Elaine Montgomery

How does Rick Shortt exemplify attitude? Having worked with Rick for three years, I’ve learned that he is truly gifted with one of the most wonderful and positive attitudes I have ever had the privilege to interact with on a professional level. He is successful in motivating employees at every level within our organization with both his verbal and written communication skills. His smile is contagious, and he truly cares about the employees at our Springfield site. He has a kindred spirit that inspires employees to be the best they can be. Rick shows he truly believes and cares about each individual’s career and success. Because he displays such a genuine concern, he always receives great results from everyone he coaches and develops.

When Rick is not at work, he is a dedicated father to his 7-year-old son, Elias. Rick is a great role model to his son and also his friends, always painting a visual image of the silver lining.

Honesty

Person who exemplifies “honesty” at work: Janice Pendleton

Company, title: Telec Inc., accounting manager

Submitted by: Stephanie Whitten

How does Janice Pendleton exemplify honesty? My boss Janice is a very hard worker who has proven her honesty to our company as well as to our customers. She also has a heart of gold. She is very honest on her work with business and personal issues. She is someone we trust with any job or project that needs completed. She is a very dependable person whose professionalism has earned respect from all of our co-workers. She has been with our company for 16 years and she is a huge asset who would be very hard to replace. She doesn’t get told as often as she should, just how much she truly is appreciated.

Person who exemplifies “honesty” at work: Greg Byler

Company, title: In & Out Car Wash, owner/operator

Submitted by: Robin Byler

How does Greg Byler exemplify honesty? My husband Greg is an amazing person who believes that honesty is the best policy. When I think of the word “honesty” I think of how he deals with his vendors, employees, management, etc. It may not be what that person wants to hear, but he is without a doubt honest. He is the father of two beautiful little girls … and if he will teach them anything, it will be how to handle your life with honesty, integrity and being forthright in all of your dealings. These characteristics may not make you the popular one, but it will sure help you sleep at night. He is a great example to his children as well as to those who deal with him in the community and in his every day work and personal life.

SBJ Salutes Character Ed

The Character Ed word for February is “courtesy” – to be polite and considerate, to act with manners and to be generous and helpful with others.

Who in your workplace best exemplifies this quality character trait? Send an e-mail to eolson@sbj.net with the person’s name, title, employer and a brief example of the trait at work. Responses will be published in upcoming Opinion pages.

Springfield Business Journal Editor Eric Olson can be reached at eolson@sbj.net.[[In-content Ad]]