Provide a brief summary of the Mentor you interviewed including: Name, Job Title, Organization, time with organization, and time in current role. You may also briefly describe other parts of the Mento
How would you describe the culture of this organization?
-It's a very tight knit, almost family like atmosphere. Everyone is there is inspire one another and help each other to achieve their goals and help the company grow.
How do you help new employees understand the culture of your organization?
- I am usually just straight forward and honest about how awesome it is. Usually, during training, I go through specific steps set up by the company to get the point across that we are a young and exciting company that wants our workers to be happy!
Is there anything about the culture that you would change?
-Before I came the position I am in now, I thought there was a lot that could change. But it turns out, it was already changing. Just behind the scenes. Once all the other brand ambassadors and I were in on it everything was pretty A-ok. They treat us like responsible adults and humans.
Has the culture changed since you’ve been in this leadership role?
-YEP! Honestly prior, I felt like they didn't really care about the little guy. That they were just taking advantage of our hard work, but it turns out they KNEW thats how we were feeling and were doing everything in their power to remedy that.
Does the structure of your organization match the culture?
Now it does yes. We are a pretty new company so we are still building a good structure that works for everyone within the company. But we are chugging away at that and have actually (finally) come up with a good structure to balance and match the culture we are going for.
How do your employees expect you to act?
-My employees, at 1st, expected me to be harsh and "by the books" I feel like. I am assuming because of previous bad bosses they had this assumption about any new job they were going into.
Are employees ever surprised by how you act?
-Every. Single. Day. I am no hard ass, I want my employees to have fun and show our customers that it fun working with us and fun being apart of the culture we are cultivating.
Compare how you act during times of crisis compared to how you act normally.
-In times of crisis: Get all information immediately and as concise as possible. Clear questions, answers and instructions to remedy the problem quickly and safely.
-Normally: I am just laid back and goofy BUT still play by the rules set in place by my company.
What qualities do you look for in someone you promote?
-Self awareness, leadership, quick-whited, self-sufficient but a team player, honest enthusiastic and approachable.
What kinds of rewards or incentives do you give, and what are these rewards for?
-We do sales contests every few weeks to add friendly competition and get the BA's excited. We offer gift cards or bonuses to their paychecks.
What makes your organization unique, as compared to others similar to you?
-We are a start-up company, that within just 4 short years have attained SO MANY of our goals and have become such a great business that started from basically scratch. We sell a product that not only is unique within itself but comes with a fun and inclusive culture too!
What do you look for in new employees?
-The same as the promotion honestly. Self awareness, leadership, quick-whited, self-sufficient but a team player, honest enthusiastic and approachable. Oh add on timely as well.
How diverse is your organization?
_It's....getting there. We have a diverse team when it comes to personalities and our personal goals. When it comes to race its not as diverse as it could be but it's definitely getting there!
What happens here when people make mistakes?
- "Make mistakes not habits". That is our motto. We wont penalize you for a mistake, we'll just help you to over come it and make it right.
Has your organization defined its core values? If so, how are they communicated?
-Yes they have and they are communicated in literally every aspect of the company. From the script said by the BA all the way up to the owners, themselves, visiting the BAs at work and chatting with them and the customer.
What are your plans for the next 3-5 years?
-Honestly to stay with the company. I am curious to see what will happen and how we will grow
Who are your biggest competitors?
-Other card companies, so hallmark and the like.
Who is involved in the creation of the strategy at this organization?
-Everyone. And I do mean EVERYONE, even the consumer!
Describe your strategic planning process.
-Depends on the plan really. But in terms of hiring its knowing how many people we need, what kind of positions we need filled and what kind of people we want for these positions, going forward and setting up interviews and hiring who we think is right, immediate training of the new hires with a planned out training script and a lot of hands on this is how you do and and here is how we help you!
What is the mission and vision of this organization?
-"Something unexpected every time" and " To create one billion magical moments"
How are the mission or vision communicated throughout the organization?
-Blatantly. It's literally plastered everywhere we can fit it!
How do you ensure your employees are “on board” with the mission and vision?
-By gauging their enthusiasm, there hard work, determination and how excited they are to get started.
Would you define your day-to-day activities as “future-based” or based in the “here and now”?
- Honestly a little of both. I speak with purpose when I talk to my BAs. I make sure to tell them what they need for the here and now s that they can apply it for the future.
How would you describe your tolerance for risk on a scale of 1 to 10?
4
How much have you learned in this leadership role?
A lot. I have never had such I high position before and I had no idea what I was doing at 1st. I got thrown into the fire and honestly just had to keep swimming in it till I got out. And my company helped me out of that fire.
How much would you like to learn in this leadership role?
I want to learn how to manage my time with my employees. home life and the company itself in the best way possible
Does your organization have a competitive advantage? If yes, would you say it is sustainable?
Yes, we are the 1st of our kind in the american market as well as offering competitive wages at the start. I feel it is sustainable as we are always fighting to keep our head up and grow.
