Like so many other Americans, Mitzi Lloyd watched the events unfold with the US Gymnastics team. As Simone Biles left the arena, it was up to the remaining team to huddle up, and STEP up.
The East Texas Administration Manager took that scene to heart. She couldn’t help but admire – and relate to - the subsequent teamwork.
“This team was a shoo-in for the gold. A key team member wasn’t able to participate, and those other team members had to stop what they had planned, and they had to assume other duties,” Mitzi said.
At the season midpoint at Datamax in East Texas, in the midst of refining processes and working to hire for additional positions, Mitzi sees a similar response from her team. People taking on additional roles. Working as a unit to share responsibilities. Picking up whatever needs picking up.
“I honestly think we should win the Gold (in my department),” Mitzi said. “But as a coach, right now, I honestly couldn’t be more proud of my team. I’ve watched every one of them rise to the occasion and put the team first.”
Teamwork Makes the Theme Work.
The 2021 Datamax Corporate is “ChALLenge 2021,” with an emphasis of “all” in caps. The idea is simple: We are all empowered to and must take control of, achieving common goals.
Little Rock Administrative Manager Kristen Finkbeiner has seen this in her department in 2021.
From Collections Specialist Denee Hayes moving over to help finalize data for returned equipment. From receptionist Ginna Hill updating records and spreadsheets, and Kym McGee taking on loads of supply orders and working with the Fort Smith Office. The list goes on.
“One of the most amazing things, as we’ve found ourselves shorthanded at times, is I’ve had every single person, without me having to ask, help each other out and get everything done,” Kristen said.
3 Finkbeiner Factors for Admin Success in the Second Half
1. Be EXCITED about big sales – and the extra work.
Business is picking up in Arkansas, and that’s a good thing, Kristen reminds everyone. “We’re here to support both internally, and externally. “With so much going on, it’s about prioritizing, or pulling me in to get my help; whatever it takes to get the job done.”
2. Make NEW customers comfortable.
If Kristen’s learned anything about acquisitions, it’s that customers can become wary of “outsiders.” It’s our job, she says, to answer questions as quickly as possible, stop to let these “new” customers talk, and help them realize – we’re normal people, too. It takes time, but it’s time well spent.
“When we take over a new customer base (like the Fort Smith Office), we’re a different beast to them. “It takes an entire team, every department, to make these customers feel comfortable about doing business with Datamax.”
3. See an issue? Encounter a customer problem?
Act FAST. The best way Kristen knows to “Wow” a customer? It's simple, really.
“If there is a problem or situation going on, literally take care of it as quickly as we can. If there is a wrong meter, and if it’s fixed in 10 minutes, a customer is usually going to respond with, “Wow, thank you!”
And, just like the US Gymnastics team, who huddled mid-event, and took home the silver medal despite being down their best athlete, administrative teams are asked to do the same mid-year.
