Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Do you Know Your Strengths?

Have you ever given your personal strengths much thought? I know I hadn’t until I was asked to read Now Discover Your Strengths and present on my findings. As I read along I found that I was an empathizer, restorative, intellectual, adaptable, and I like to look back (context.) Here is what my strengths mean:

 
Empathy-I can sense the emotions of those around you. I can feel what they are feeling as though their feelings are my own.
Restorative-I love to solve problems. Whereas some are dismayed when they encounter yet another breakdown, I can be energized by it. 
Intellection-I like to think and like mental activity.
Context-I look back. I look back because that is where the answers lie and to understand the present. 
Adaptability-I live in the moment. I don’t see the future as a fixed destination. Instead, I see it as a place that I create out of the choices that I make right now.
This was interesting because it reaffirmed things about myself that I already knew, as well as learned things that I had never thought about. You may be wondering why you need to know your own strengths or better yet, why you need to know the strengths of those around you? In simplest terms, it’s to better yourself both at work and in everyday life. You have the opportunity to know what you are good at and how to maximize these. If you are on the management side of things, wouldn’t it be great to know how to better relate to your employees or see how you can connect two team members together? If you would like to discover your own strengths, please visit http://www.strengthsfinder.com/home.aspx.  
 
 
Please feel free to share your findings with me! erica.siri@mattressfirm.com

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Don’t forget to get “wowed!”


valuestockphoto.com
It’s easy to get caught up trying to “wow” a future employer that sometimes we can forget that choosing a position and a company really is a mutual selection process.  Future employees have to want the job and the company just as much as the company has to want him or her to join their team.   Details during the selection process can speak volumes about the organization and how you may fit their culture and how they may offer what you’re really looking for.

 
Think about these details the next time you’re searching for a new professional opportunity…
How does the environment feel?  From the first phone call to the first person to welcome you to the interview, these details are telling of the company culture and environment.  Were the phone calls warm and inviting? If onsite, do the current employees seem to enjoy themselves and their teammates? Is this the type of environment and team I see myself enjoying?
 
Communication is key.  Was communication as timely and detailed as projected? Was the information consistent across all parties that you communicated with? Do you feel like you have a real understanding of the position and the company?
 
Are your professional goals attainable? Does this company have a developmental plan to lead you to the role you ultimately want?  Will you be satisfied with your progress in three years or five years? 
Remember, you’re not the only one making a first impression!  Make sure you want the job as much (maybe more!) than you want the company to want you. 
Considering Mattress Firm career opportunities?  Contact mackenzie.wilkins@mattressfirm.com and prepare to be “wowed.”