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Contributed by Debi Gaitan, NVC vice president of Student Success:
On May 29, Student Success spent the morning in celebration and team building. I started out by asking for them to share some “wow” moments or shout outs to others.
It was wonderful to hear them all recognizing folks from other teams, showing that they realize the importance that each team and team member plays in helping our students succeed. We followed up with advisor awards, and ended with a great (and humorous) team building session facilitated by Darryl Nettles.
Below are peer awards that the advisors nominate and vote on to recognize fellow advisors for what they have brought to the team over the past year.
Sharpen the Saw-Most improved: An advisor who has shown exceptional growth in their knowledge and advising abilities in the past year. 2015 Recipient: Tamotia Franks
Give ‘Em a Pickle-Best customer service: An advisor who regularly provides exceptional, above and beyond customer service; helps students answer the questions they didn’t know to ask, always ensures they are providing accurate information. 2015 Recipient: Angie Riojas
Peer Leader-Leadership: An advisor who always steps up to help without being asked; who regularly offers suggestions to solve issues; who welcomes the opportunity to share knowledge. 2015 Recipient: Liz Ceballos
Fish Philosophy-FISH award: Be There: When people need you, they need all of you. Setting aside distractions and judgments to be fully present is a sign of respect. It improves communication and strengthens relationships. Play: You can be serious about your work without taking yourself so seriously. Play is a mindset more than a specific activity. It allows you to throw yourself with enthusiasm and creativity into whatever you are doing, in a way that is natural, not forced. “Playing” with ideas helps you find solutions to everyday challenges. Make Their Day: Simple gestures of thoughtfulness, thanks and recognition make people feel appreciated and valued. When you make someone else feel good, you feel good too. Choose Your Attitude: To actually choose how you respond to life, not just react, you must be intentional. When you get up, decide who you want to “be” today. Moment-to-moment awareness is key. Ask yourself throughout the day, “What is my attitude right now? Is it helping the people who depend on me? Is it helping me to be most effective? 2015 Recipient: Luz Hernandez
Most Innovative award: When people are on “open” mind mode, they tend to become more creative. In open “open” mind mode, we are the most aware, most receptive, most creative, and therefore at our most intelligent, not taking anything for granted. It is easy to come up with creative ideas, but the most difficult part is letting go of the old ones, which worked years ago and is now out dated. New ideas improves and strengthens relationships and the organization. 2015 Recipient: Sofia Ongay
To add a little fun, the team leaders created some additional awards. We made it clear that these awards were not intended to minimize the skills of anyone, as we recognize that every one of the recipients is also well regarded by their peers and leaders for their advising skills. However, we know that it is both skill and personality that makes this a great place to work.
Office Partier – Adriana (Among other things, created a one woman “flash confetti throw” on April fools).
Troubleshooter – Andrew (He will find a more expedient and effective way to do just about anything).
Willing to Try – Fernando (The man with the upside down door!)
Most Cheerful in the Morning – Anna (Does not matter the time or situation, she always has a smile and a loud HELLO!)
Company Clown – Omar (Already knows how to lighten the mood at the right time)
Murphy’s Law – Stacy (to prove this point- when preparing the awards I ran out of frames when I got to this award.)
While we were missing a few team members, it was a wonderful time together. It was also a great reminder of the fabulous team I am blessed to lead. I was a little overcome seeing them all in one place at one time – I forget how big we have grown!
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