Nina Adkins

OGL 482

Section 1:

What was your rationale in developing your interview guide sheet(s)? What did you hope to
discover?

My rationale for developing my interview guide was to have questions that were going to allow
me to see how people that know me well view my work ethics. I used questions that were part of
the assignment since they focused on what me strengths and weaknesses are, and I knew that
the two people that I was going to interview would provide me with the answers I would be
looking for. I also wanted to see what suggestions others would be able to provide me when it
comes to how I can improve my professional abilities. I was hoping to discover what areas I can
approve in, and to see what areas others think I excel in. I know what I think my strengths and
weaknesses are, and I wanted to see if they matched up to what others view as my strengths and
weaknesses. I choose to interview a friend and a co-worker that would be able answer these
questions from two different points of view since one see’s how I act and respond on a
professional level while the others sees me on a personal level.

What did you learn about yourself as a result of this process?

I learned from conducting both of these interviews that even though I am hardworking,
dependable, caring, and honest, I have areas that I can work on as well. One of the weaknesses
that was listed by both of the people that I interviewed was the fact that I take on took much and
I have a hard time saying no. I know this is something that I need to work on and now seeing
that both of the people that I interviewed see this as one of my weaknesses, I need to pay more
attention to it. I am a very giving person and that tends to get the best of me. I get asked very
often to help with different tasks, and even if I have a lot going on I always say yes because I do
not want to disappoint anyone by saying I do not have time to help. I need to realize that even if
I have to say no once and in a while that is okay. I can only do so much, and the added stress is
not going to help me continue to be successful. I can be helpful without taking on more then I
need to.

Were there any surprising results from your interviews? Explain?

It was surprising to me that both of the people that I interviewed had very similar things to say
about my strengths and my weaknesses. One of the things that seemed to be a common theme
and something that they both stated was the fact that I need to learn to say no to others wants
and needs, and focus more on myself. I knew that I said yes a lot to others, but did not know that
my reactions showed how stressed that can make me. They both also stated that I take on too
much responsibility which tends to over load my work. I am such a giving person that I want to
help others, but that makes it so I put myself second when it comes to my development. I need
to set time aside to make sure that I am focusing on my learning by job shadowing, taking
additional training classes, and networking with other members of the organization.

How will you think differently, and what will you do differently, as a result of this assignment
(self-monitoring, working on developing certain skills, etc.)?

After going through this assignment I am really going to start focusing on myself more and
making sure I am not taking on more than I can handle. Helping others is something I am
always going to do, but I need to make sure I am also putting myself first. I am also going to look
for a mentor that can help me gain more knowledge about the business, so I can learn and grow
in my current role. I also plan on networking more with the different leaders within my
organization, so I can see how my strengths can help benefit other departments that I work with.
I need to focus more on what I am naturally good at and continue to make process
improvements. I know that I am very dependable and that others can always count on me, but I
need to make sure that I am setting aside time for my own personal development since it will be
up to me show others what my strengths are. My customer’s service skills are very obvious, but I
want others to see that there is more that I am capable of doing.

Section 2:
Interview Guide Sheet
Person #1 Interviewed: Jo Barrett
Person #2 Interviewed: Kathryn Berry
Relationship #1: Co-worker
Relationship #2: Best Friend
Questions:
When you think about me, what are some adjectives of phrases that come to mind that
are good descriptions?
Interview #1
I think that you are a very hard-working teammate that is always willing to help out
others within our team. You are someone that is always getting all of your tasks
completed on time, and someone that I view as very dependable and can always be
counted on. You are always at work, and if someone needs your help you stop what you
are doing and chip in. There has been many times that I needed someone to cover the
front desk so I could leave for an appointment, and you have always stepped up and
helped. I can always count on you to help. I would also say that you are a very intelligent
person. You are always coming up with new process improvements to help reduce time
and money for the organization, while also working full time, going to school, raising a
three old, and getting straight A’s in the process. I am very proud and impressed with
what you have been able to accomplish.

Interview #2
I would say that you are a very passionate and you really care about the person that you
are, how you treat others, and the work that you do. You take pride in what you do and
make sure that your work is perfect. You are also a very caring person. You have always
been there for me and others that you come into contact with. I have participated in a lot
of volunteer work with you over the years and you are always so excited to give back and
help others. You are a very genuine person that I have always been able to count. You are
very honest and someone that I know that will always tell me like it is and be straight
forward no matter what the situation is.

What do you consider to be my greatest strengths?

Interview #1
One of your strengths is flexibility. You are always stopping what you are doing or
rearranging your day so you can help others out. You come in early or stay late
depending on what is needed of you. You also handle change very well. Process are
constantly changing and you are the first one to embrace that change and helping others
see the values in the changes that are taking place. Even though you may not always
agree on the changes, you accept them and find ways to improve the new process. You
have helped see how changes that have taken place can help me in my position for the
better which has made many changes a lot easier for me to embrace.

Interview #2
I have to say that one of your strengths is defiantly honesty. You always tell it like it is
and do not sugar coat anything. You are always the first person I come to for advice
because I know you will tell me honestly what I should or should not do. Another
strength that you have is being very outgoing and determined. I know that you have
many things that you want to accomplish and once you set your mind to something you
jump in with both feet. You showed this by going back to school while raising a two year
old and working full time.

What do you consider to be my greatest weaknesses or areas for improvement?

Interview #1
I would say that something that I would consider to be your weakness is taking on too
much responsibility. You are a very outgoing person that is always willing to help others,
but you need to learn how to say no especially when you already have a full plate. I know
that you put on a happy face, but I can see that you are stressed when you take on
additional projects just to help out another team member. It is okay to say no once in a
while. No one is going to look at you in a negative light for that.

Interview #2
I would say that you definitely over commit to things and you have a hard time telling
others no. When you already have a lot going on, you need to not go and overload your
already overwhelming responsibilities. I know that you are a very giving person and love
helping others, but you need to learn to say no. You already have a lot going on since you
are going to school fulltime, working and helping raise your family. You need to come
first once in a while and let others find another way.

If you could suggest three things I could do to increase my sense of fulfillment in my

work or personal life, what would they be?
Interview #1
I would first say that you should focus more on your strengths and allow them to help
you continue to learn and grow. Secondly listen to your body and try not to overdo it.
You put a lot of stress on yourself and knowing that you already have a lot going on you
need to take a step back and focus more on what you need to get accomplished. Lastly
say no. That is going to help reduce your stress and allow you to focus more on what you
need to get done and not so much on what everyone else needs completed.

Interview #2
Number one is saying no to anything that is going to bring you added stress. You need to
also take more time for yourself. You have so much going on right now and you do not
need to add anything else. Besides your family, you have school right now that takes up
all of your nights and weekends. I know that school brings on added stress and by saying
no to other commitments can allow you spend your free time with your family and help
reduce any additional stresses you might be experiencing.

What do you consider my interpersonal skills to be?

Interview #1
I would say that your interpersonal skills are responsibility and accountability. You are
someone that others can count on, and if you are assigned a task they know that it is
going to be completed. I know that I can always count on you to be there if I need you.
You are also a great at problem solving. There have been several times that I have had
problems with our badge system and you have helped me figure out what the issue is
without us having to get IT involved. I think you also have a great work ethic and that
comes through every day that you come into work.

Interview #2
I think that you are very accountable and you are great at building relationships with the
people that you work with. You have always been someone that I can count on. There
have been times when you have changed your plans just to help me out. Your
commitment is very noticeable in everything that you do and I know I admire what you
have been about to accomplish. You drive to find a better way of doing things I know
stems from your work, but I see that playing into your personal life when I see you
figuring out your schedule and finding time to make sure you get your school work
completed, while also making sure you make your daughters soccer practice and games
every week.

How would you describe my work style?

Interview #1
I would describe your work style as hardworking. You are always working until you get
your tasks completed. I have seen you come into work early and leave late just to
complete a task that you have been assigned. Sometime you have very short deadline and
you do whatever it takes to get the job completed. You are also a team player and if
someone on the team needs help you are the first one to volunteer to help. There have
been many occasions that I have called you and asked you for help and within minutes
you are at my desk helping me. Our team is lucky to have you a part of it.

Interview #2
I would say that your work style is very organized. You know everything that needs to be
completed at work and school, and you make a plan on when you are going to get each
task completed. I know that you utilize your calendar to make sure you writing down
everything that is going on each day so you can organize your time accordingly. You have
a great work ethic as well, and you are someone that can always be counted on no matter
if it is at work or in your personal life.

If you could suggest three thing I could do to improve my professional abilities, what
would they be?
Interview #1
Somethings I think you can do to improve your professional abilities would be to have
more confidence in yourself. You are great at what you do, and there are time when you
second guess your abilities. You just need to have trust in what you can do, and believe in
yourself and what you can accomplish. I think you could work on your networking with
others within the organization. Through networking you can gain more knowledge
within the organization, and build new relationships. Having a mentor can help you in
both of these area. I think if you have someone that you can talk to about your
development, and what steps you can take to achieve your goals will only benefit your
overall success.

Interview #2:
I think that you should compile a list of all of the projects that you are currently working
on, so you can show your leadership everything you have accomplished along with
everything that you are currently working on. I also think that you should block off time
for yourself on your calendar so you can have time to work on things like job shadowing,
and working on your career development. Lastly use the knowledge and skills that you
have learned while you have been in school to help with your leadership and process
improvements.

Nina Adkins