Mateah Cole

Analytical- During my time at KGP, I was able to hone my ability to procure and analyze data. I had to ensure timely payment of employee wages by consistently meeting deadlines for payroll processing by calculating, collecting, and entering data. This included verifying timekeeping records and handling any discrepancies with employees. Accurately obtaining, navigating, analyzing, entering, filing, and submitting necessary numbers dramatically impacted the wellbeing of the employees (whether it was generating numbers for incentive, weighted overtime, PTO, etc.).

Collaboration and Cohesion- Though my title said Payroll, this position stressed collaboration and cohesion throughout the plant. This included greeting incoming visitors, trainees, or truck- drivers, answering phones, assisting with HR functions, answering employee questions or directing concerns, leading a training program for New Hires, or even directing KGP Kares and company events. I wore many hats in this position all with the goal of being a team.

Diligence- As an ironer, diligence was a necessity. Checking quality, folding product, wrapping out products and building depos was all completed within six feet of an iron press. The heat, long hours, and hard work required persistence and diligence to deliver product that met and exceeded the standards.

Patience- As a daycare classroom leader, practicing patience was instrumental in loving the children well. Many of the four- and five-year-old children in my class had emotional or behavioral issues which required fostering a classroom of peace, patience, and understanding.

Creativity- I was able to utilize my love for creativity through classroom decorations, planning crafts and activities and discovering ways to promote classroom values.

Responsibility- As a shift leader, I had numerous responsibilities which included money management (audits, food costs, inventory, payroll), supervision (employee interactions and work quality), customer satisfaction, and upper management discernment.

Servanthood- Even though I was given the title of shift leader, I still focused on hostessing and waitressing to the best of my ability. One moment I would be answering payroll questions and the next I would be cleaning bathrooms. I could be found bussing others tables, cleaning dishes or helping restock. I was constantly reminded that serving others in the most important aspect of any customer-service industry.

Dedication- There have been weeks when I have been with the children for 60 hours. This includes waking-up and putting to bed, helping with homework, running errands, planning crafts and activities, going on trips, planning meals, cleaning, and a general dedication to the children and families' well-being.

Adaptability- One phone call can change the entire day. Throughout all level of change, there is always a need for the ability to adapt.

Discernment skills- Between "solving" problems between children or problems between children and authority/family, my day is filled with practicing discernment.

Leadership- As the Director of Children's Ministries, I was required to be a leader- to both the children and the volunteers. This meant studying techniques of leadership, developing communication skills, setting an example, and loving others well.

Management of the details- The greatest responsibility I had was to manage effectively by paying attention to the details, such as planning programs and events, scheduling meetings and volunteer positions, pouring over detailed curriculum to make decisions, and adhering to a budget.

Communication- During my summer employment at W.A.C.D. I honed my communication skills as the receptionist. Three of my main responsibilities were (1) customer service, (2) employee communication, and (3) office scheduling.

Money Management- While I was at W.A.C.D., I was a co-accountant. This required (among other things) attention to details, ethical responsibility, and money management.

Customer Interaction- As a cashier, I was in constant communication with customers. During this job, I was able to focus on customer satisfaction by promoting a positive atmosphere.

Work Ethic- While working at a large retail store, I realized that working hard was not the norm. I was brought-up to have a strong worth ethic- to work hard until the job was done. Working at Wal-Mart challenged me to continue to go above and beyond what I was required to do by doing my best.

Responsibility- As a waitress, one of the greatest skills learned was responsibility. I was responsible for the communication between the kitchen and the customers. I was responsible for the cleanliness of the dinning area and waitress area. I was expected to always find something to do (i.e. answer phones, clean, make food, serve customers). I was responsible for orders and customer satisfaction.