In his preparation for his interview to become an Area Sales Manager, Ted Roche knew that feedback was critical to presenting his ideas in the best light possible.

Where he found that feedback may surprise you.

At its core, feedback gives you a mirror. It helps you see blind spots, rethink your assumptions, and sharpen your performance. But it does more than just point out what could be better. It invites a second set of eyes and experiences... sometimes from someone outside your usual bubble. In Ted’s case, that was VP of Strategic Technology Justin Huffaker.

Is this story unique at Datamax? Maybe, but Justin Huffaker doesn’t think so.

“Given the tenure of the management team at Datamax, I can say with confidence that I know the senior team members in both Texas and Arkansas. I feel strongly that if any employee was interested in moving up in the company and wanted to improve their performance, regardless of the department, that senior team member would take the time to offer coaching and mentoring,” Justin said.

It was the kind of cross-department, indiscriminate and unscripted collaboration that reminds us all: Every colleague is an open opportunity to sharpen our skills. All we’ve gotta do is bend his or her ear a bit.

“Since our key person interview when I started I have always reached out to him for advice. We have also worked together on the DatamaxCares program, and that added to our opportunities to collaboration,” Ted said. “Those things just built our foundation.”

Justin said that in his key contact interviews, he lets people know that if they ever have questions, need help, or have ideas, “feel free to stop by.”

“Ted’s cube used to be located right outside my office and we had the opportunity to work on some DatamaxCares things together. So, we knew each other. When the ASM manager opportunity opened up, Ted stopped by my office and asked if he could discuss some ideas he had for his upcoming interviews,” Justin said.

Ted initially asked him for a couple of meetings to go over his business plan, before he formally presented to Clay Mills and David Rhodes. On the first meeting, he ran through the interview.

“He also gave me feedback on my ideas and provided news ones. The biggest part was simplifying my business plan,” Ted recalls. “I wanted it to all fit on one page so that it was easy to present. He liked that idea but asked questions on how I would get certain ideas done. With his help I was able to have that ready in my head and off of the page, instead of getting into the weeds during the interview process.”

After the interview, both David and Clay made positive remarks on the simplicity of the presentation. The rest, as Justin says, is history. Ted was offered the role as ASM.

“Ted’s a sharp guy and Datamax is lucky to have him!” Justin said.

Open Feedback and Collaboration Abound in DFW! Check Out a Few More Examples Below.

Jay Wise

Internal IT Manager

I've had numerous opportunities to collaborate with my manager (Stew Campbell), and two instances stand out. In one case, we needed a new solution to back up our marketing team's desktops. I researched various devices, explained their features, and after a thorough discussion, we selected a product. My manager quickly shared our decision with upper management, and we successfully implemented the solution.

On another occasion, we sought a cost-efficient solution for mail security, web security, and archiving. Our team researched different options, aiming to save money and simplify the user and admin experience. After several meetings with various companies, we chose a vendor from Ireland, which has proven to be a beneficial choice for our organization.

Having been with the company for 32 years this November, I am continually amazed by the open discussions I have with my manager. He brings a wealth of experience from his military background, and I am honored to work for someone who has helped me learn and approach tasks differently. His guidance has been invaluable in broadening my perspective and enhancing my problem-solving skills.

Breezy Isaacson

Administration

We have a good open door policy in Admin, any comment or question no matter if its simple or hard there is always someone willing to answer or help.

We don't respond with no i cant help you, its more i may not know the answer but lets go figure it out together. No one should feel rejected when they just need answers.

Another way to figure out things together is our admin huddles. Discussing things together and making sure every voice is heard. For example we had a Huddle with Summar and Justin and Steve and it was supposed to be a quick 5 minute huddle but it went longer because we had questions and concerns that each one took listened to and answered or if they didn't know we have on the list for the next meeting.

I believe its important to listen to what everyone has to say, whether it is positive or negative. everyone's opinion and comments give you potential for growth.

William O'Gorman

Technology Specialist

Despite being very detail-oriented and particular about our processes, my manager, Richard Martin, has always maintained an open door policy when it comes to thoughts and feedback.

We use IT Glue for our documentation, and I recently identified a major process change that could improve our workflow. Initially, I was hesitant to bring it up, unsure if Richard would be receptive to altering a well-established process. However, when I shared my feedback, Richard was not only open to the idea but also supported me through every step of the implementation process.

His receptiveness and encouragement were instrumental in successfully integrating the change, which ultimately enhanced our team's efficiency and documentation quality..

Roy Faries

CRM Application Administrator

Feedback is essential in my role as a database administrator. I am often asked to provide a custom program, listing, or report. Having conversations to gather the details in advance prevents me from spending time on something that does not provide the information requested. I often follow up with users to see if what I provided is helpful, and to ask for any changes they might need. I want it to be as useful as possible.

I have worked often with Robert Caldwell on special projects. He has the vision on what he wants, and I am tasked to develop it. After many years of working together, we have learned that after I develop the functionality he wants, he has opinions on how he wants it to look. Without feedback, in both directions, nothing would ever get accomplished. After multiple conversations and demonstrations, the end result will be what is required. Without feedback, nothing would get accomplished.

Quandre McCoy

Service Manager

When it comes to an open-door conversation, It applies to everyone especially my techs. I feel sometime in a work environment you need someone you can go to for advice or just to listen. Not to mention names but I have had personal conversation with a couple of techs who needed advice and encouragement. Thus far it seems that our conversation has been positive.

I still follow up with them to make sure everything is still moving in the right direction. I too have vented to my peers when I needed that listening ear. It is true what they say, besides home, the people at your job are like your second family.

Justin Huffaker

VP of Strategic Technology

“Given the tenure of the management team at Datamax, I can say with confidence that I know the senior team members in both Texas and Arkansas. I feel strongly that if any employee was interested in moving up in the company and wanted to improve their performance, regardless of the department, that senior team member would take the time to offer coaching and mentoring,”

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Always Open to Feedback.

In his preparation for his interview to become an Area Sales Manager, Ted Roche knew that feedback was critical to presenting his ideas in the best light possible.

Open Feedback and Collaboration Abound in DFW! Check Out a Few More Examples Below.

Jay Wise

Breezy Isaacson

William O'Gorman

Roy Faries

Quandre McCoy

Justin Huffaker

Rave Review Readers: We'd love your thoughts and input.