Our prize bookkeeper was a creative accountant. Not the sort that takes liberties with the numbers. Quite the contrary. She kept an honest and accurate eye on the financials but the thing that made her stand out was that she THOUGHT creatively.
In addition to managing her own workload, she always kept an ear out for what was happening in the studio. She’d listen. She’d observe. She’d ask questions. Despite her official job title, she would volunteer feedback on layouts and concepts. She’d offer suggestions. She’d give us her opinion. As a career woman, mother, sister, daughter and wife, she was a consumer; she had a valuable viewpoint and we listened.
By going above and beyond the call of duty, this employee demonstrated to us that she cared about what we did and how we did it. Her initiative and commitment were what set her apart. It’s what made her a passionate and dedicated bookkeeper, gatekeeper and investor in our business. It’s what forever tied her to our business and to our hearts. It was what made her indispensable.
If a person truly wants to be a valued member of a team, he or she needs to do more than just what they are asked to do. They must creatively come up with ways to enhance their contribution. Initiative is about seeing what needs to be done and doing it without being asked.
But it’s a two-way street. The team leaders must also create an environment where input from ALL team members is welcomed, respected and rewarded. It all adds up!
In memory of Nancy Lyon
