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WEEKLY ENGAGE

Volume 7: Week of July 11, 2016

Recognition

Special Edition!

Recognition This month, we’re recognizing employees

all over the nation for all that they do!

Special Edition

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Meaningful Recognition

Do you know an engaging leader at USPS? We are looking for leaders who are involved in, enthusiastic about, and committed to creating a

more engaging culture in their work environment.

Nominees must be an EAS or PCES employee in a leadership position with direct reports within any

Postal Service function.

Deadline to submit nominations: Aug. 1, 2016

To submit a nomination or for additional information, please visit the Employee Engagement Blue page.

blue.usps.gov/hr/emp-engagement

Engagement Leader of the Year Award

Employee recognition has been shown to be a powerful tool

for increasing employee engagement, productivity and ultimately

customer satisfaction. But what kind of recognition is most

meaningful? The answer is, it depends. The experience of

recognition can increase an employee’s sense of his or her value to

the organization. However, when not delivered effectively, it can

be worse than not having recognized the employee at all. Some

people like to be recognized publically, others cringe at the

thought of being singled out in front of others. Great managers

take the time to find out what each of their employees value most

to individually tailor their recognition to the person. Regardless of

what kind of recognition you are providing, recognition is most

effective when it is specific and timely. That is, employees should

be clear about what they did to deserve recognition at a time close

as possible to the behavior you are recognizing.

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Last Week’s Engagement Challenge

Q.

“I’m a professional violinist . My hobbies used to include practicing, performing, teaching and traveling. I recently discovered my newfound love, working as a clerk at the window of the Chester Post Office. As a people person, I love the opportunity to meet people daily. I still play occasionally and definitely won’t mind being called out to play for any Post Office function!”

—Yasha Hubert, sales associate, Chester, TX

Begin to ask others, “Who are you?”

Take the opportunity to share what you’re passionate about doing, such as hobbies or favorite past times.

“We have a relatively small office with 20+ employees and we have all known each other for years. We know each other in our work environments but not always away from work. Last year, I started a night time mini golf tournament for our employees and their spouses. I purchased prizes for the wining team and bought fun items that they wore that night such as glow sticks and glow in the dark jewelry. I wasn’t sure how many people would show up, but we had a great turn out. We ended up getting to know not only our employees, but their spouses too. We are having our 2nd annual mini golf tournament on July 16, and I’m sure that the turn out will be even better this year!

—Lilia Lozano-Ortmann, Supervisor customer services

La Grande, Oregon

Next Week’s Challenge: Remember the excitement you had the day you were hired into the Postal Service? Imagine coming to work today with that same level of excitement and energy.

We’d like to hear from you on how our employees can reignite their fire to experience that first day excitement today.

Write to us at engagement@usps.gov

“I collect political

memorabilia, especially

campaign buttons and

posters. My collection numbers in the

10,000’s. The oldest piece I have in my

collection is a Benjamin Harrison

presidential campaign button. I collect

anything from any presidential, senate,

gubernatorial or congressional

election. My goal is to open a small

museum when I retire.”

—John Pietrowski, BMEU technician

Toledo, OH

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A little thanks goes a long way! Here’s what some employees had to say about their co-workers.

Ready, Set, Recognize!

Kathren Perry (above), is

so dedicated to the Postal

Service. I cannot imagine

Bay Valley without her

performance. She is

awesome, brilliant and

dedicated. She takes care

of three ZIP code areas.

Not only does she do an

excellent job, she also

trains people very well.

Her willingness, patience,

friendliness are beyond

expectation.”

—Jocelyn Wang, address

management systems

technician, San Jose, CA

“Tammi Loshesky (above) is now a

window clerk, but for six years she

was in charge of BMEU in Missoula

and we have used her as a resource

during that time. She has been on our

speed dial and has always helped

with explanations, quick answers or

kind words when we have a difficult

or bad day. Whether it’s BMEU techs

in large offices or window clerks

doing bulk mail in small offices, they

are always helped when she is called.

Her professionalism and dedication

have made Missoula BMEU one of the

top offices in the District. She has left

an outstanding blueprint for success

for whomever follows in that

position.

I know she will take those qualities to

the window and continue to set the

bar for excellence. USPS has made

much of ‘deliver the brand,’ and

when I think of those qualities,

Tammi is absolutely THE first I think

of.”

— Jefferson Oxford, BMEU Tech,

Kalispell, MT

“I’m a clerk at the

Marysville, IN Post

Office. I’d like to

recognize my current

Postmaster, David

Weyer. I have worked

with David on and off

for many years, both

at the Marysville and

Henryville, IN Post

Offices. I have been

working for the

Postal Service for

going on 18 years,

both as a rural

carrier and as a

clerk. David really

cares about his

employees. I truly

enjoy working with

him.”

— T.J. Murphy, sales

associate, Marysville,

IN

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“On numerous

occasions while

processing mail,

Marcus Brown has

noticed Permit Mail

that does not appear

to be entered

through a BMEU, but

dropped into a

collection box, and

not properly paid

for according to the

postage payment

contained on the

mailpiece.

Additional revenue

has been captured

and mailers have

been notified of the

correct procedures.

Marcus is dedicated

to protecting the

revenue of the U.S.

Postal Service.”

—Frances Smith,

supervisor, BMEU

Montgomery, AL

“Jose Moya has been with

the Postal Service only

since January 2016. At

first it was easy to see why

he did what he was asked

to do because he was new.

As time went on I began to

recognize that even when

he didn’t know what he

was doing, he did it with

enthusiasm. Then I began

to see that in the short

time he had been with us,

he was learning his job at

an accelerated rate. I

continued to watch and

encourage him. As I

watched, I would see him

actually studying the route

he would carry the next

day. He had no problem

getting to work early to go

over his route. I watched

him stay late to get

pointers from the senior

employees. Then I started

to see him helping the

employees that came

behind him, so that they

could be successful. One

day, I noticed the guys

teasing him. Within four

months he has gotten a

small tattoo of the postal

Eagle on his leg. When all

the teasing had ended he

quietly said, ‘I’m grateful

to have such a good job.’

Thank you Jose, thank

you.”

—Penny Shoemate,

supervisor, customer

services,

Santa Ana, CA

“I would like to recognize

Mail Handler Assistant

Ophelia Groomes (above)

and Dock Clerk Karina

Moreno (below). They

both do an excellent job

while here at the

distribution center. They

are very proactive and

dedicated to the surface

transfer center unit and

have shown outstanding

leadership. They take

pride in their work and it’s

definitely noticed here.

—Rachel Ross, A/

supervisor distribution

operations, Bell, CA

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“With 18 years of dedication and hard work, Nan Frye (back row, third from right) has retired from

Lock Haven, PA. post office. She started her journey Nov. 1, 1998, as a city carrier in Williamsport PA.

There, she spent one year as a part-time carrier, six years as a clerk, and about one year as a transitional

employee clerk. She then made her way to Harrisburg, PA, and worked full time as a mail handler for

four years. After that, she requested to return home to Lock Haven, PA as a city carrier where she

happily retired with six years of service. Nan’s parting words were, ‘I will miss the general public and

my co-workers. I will NOT miss setting the alarm clock.’”

— Andrea Schilling, sales associate, Castanea, PA

“On any given day in State College, PA, you will find a group of

men and women dedicated to doing their job efficiently and

effectively. Our letter carriers go above and beyond to assist

their customers, while holding steadfast in their mission, to

deliver the day’s mail and packages, as timely as possible, while

remaining friendly, courteous, and professional. This group is

near and dear to my heart.

To all of the carriers in State College, you are the glue that

enables me to do my job. I can get customers to sign contracts

and commit to doing business with us, but without you at the

end of the day to deliver on it, my efforts would be fruitless.

Carry on State College, carry on. With much love and gratitude

for all you do.

From me and all the customers you bring smiles to each day,

your customer service is beyond compare.”

— Michelle Mindziack, field sales representative, Pittsburgh, PA

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Meet our Cartoonist! Many of you have been wondering who the cartoonist is behind the great cartoons we

feature every week. Meet Earl Musick, Eastern Area engagement ambassador. In the midst of

his duties as an engagement ambassador,

Earl lends his talents to us, providing

every newsletter cover photo and

cartoon.

Earl is a professional cartoonist,

humorous illustrator, comedian,

spokesperson, ghost writer, and a former

artist and photographer for the FBI. Earl

has entertained audiences of all ages

from preschools to retirement homes.

Earl has shared his humor and

motivational skills with organizations,

conventions, corporations, associations,

churches and schools. Earl’s cartoon

work has appeared: online, in movies, on

television, in newspapers, magazines,

books, greeting cards, calendars, t-shirts,

posters, coloring books, in advertising

and much more. Earl also has worked as

a ghost writer for comedians, syndicated

comic strips and panels. Earl has made

countless television and radio

appearances. Earl has been seen on Good

Morning America and ABC News. Earl

also was featured on a PBS special about careers in cartooning and a PBS special about clean

comedians.

As a freelance cartoonist, Earl’s clients include: The Walt Disney Company, ABC, PBS, The

FBI, The Christian Broadcasting Network, Chicken Soup for the Soul book, and much more!

Earl has been married for 26 years to his wife Debbie. They have two boys that are attending

college: Matt, who is studying to be a music worship leader and Mark, who is studying sports

management.

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Birthday Happy Wishing many more to these postal employees celebrating this week.

July 11 Jim Ruetze Letter carrier San Antonio

July 11 Ron Van Wynsberg Maintenance support clerk Pennwood Place, PA

July 11 Ann Hearn Storekeeper Memphis

July 11 Charles Prince Mail processing clerk Shreveport, LA

July 11 Reneisha Mandigo Postal support employee Shreveport, LA

July 11 Janice Washington Mail processing clerk Shreveport, LA

July 12 Bonita Lee Sr. sales executive West Columbia, SC

July 12 Maria Esbenshade Rural carrier Malvern, PA

July 12 Cassondra Glason Tool and parts clerk Memphis

July 12 Lisa Hopper Supervisor, maintenance operations Shreveport, LA

July 12 Semina Redd Maintenance mechanic Shreveport, LA

July 12 Jane Ott Sales associate Fyffe, AL

July 12 Jeremy Hendrickson PTF clerk Lead Hill, AR

July 12 Vaughn Summers Mail handler assistant Philadelphia

July 12 Cassandra Glason Tool and parts clerk Memphis

July 12 Jesse Kvale City letter carrier Ketchikan, AK

July 13 Robert Lovelace Rural carrier Turpin, OK

July 13 Barbara Broussard Senior recorder, judicial office Arlington, VA

July 13 Teresa Marquez Mail handler Bell, CA

July 13 Christine Miller Postal support employee Shreveport, LA

July 13 Marilisa Napiwocki Sales clerk Riverview, MI

July 13 Elin Scalise NTFT clerk Columbus, PA

July 13 Sue Milstead Safety specialist Depew, NY

July 13 Tamika Hobson Postal police Memphis

July 14 Jeannine Dewitt A/administrative assistant Potomac, MD

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Have an upcoming celebration, birthday shout-out or special announcement to share in next week’s issue? Please send them to us by Friday, July 15!

Email engagement@usps.gov.

July 14 Charlene Lovelace BMEU clerk Little Rock, AR

July 14 Tanja Mindrum Sales associate Spring Grove, MN

July 14 Cassaundra Ortiz Rural carrier assistant Somerville, AL

July 14 Charlene Lovelace BMEU technician Little Rock, AR

July 14 Elise Edmondson PTF clerk Lead Hill, AR

July 14 Karen Carrier BMEU tech Lake Charles, LA

July 14 Renita Lucy BMEU tech Chicago

July 14 Amy Woodard-Williams Supervisor, customer services Elmira, NY

July 15 Becky Bishop Rural carrier Foreman, AR

July 15 Ruth Stevenson USPS attorney Washington, DC

July 15 Kathy Smith Mail processing clerk Shreveport, LA

July 15 Keegan Martin Postal inspector Fortworth, TX

July 16 Lisa Carpus Address management systems technician Tampa, FL

July 16 Ryan Silvernail Supervisor, customer services Elmira, NY

July 17 John Samuels III Manager, marketing district Washington, DC

July 17 Lorene Nard Accounting specialist St. Louis

July 17 David Roberts Electronic technician Little Rock, AR

July 17 Rose Knipp Sales associate Fort Wayne, IN

July 17 Erie Lewis Tool and parts clerk Memphis, TN

July 18 Ronnie Phillips Bridges Lead sales associate Atlanta

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Postal Anniversaries

Have an upcoming celebration, birthday shout-out or special announcement to share in next week’s issue? Please email them to us with the celebration type in the email subject line. Deadline for submissions for next week’s newsletter: Friday, July 15!

36 years Donnell Moore IT specialist Las Vegas

31 years Cynthia Osazuwa General clerk Capitol Heights, MD

19 years Toni Clawson Sales associate Sequim, WA

19 years Carolyn Triebenbach Rural carrier Sequim, WA

18 years Jeffrey Clinton Rural carrier Sequim, WA

18 years Debra Geary Rural carrier Sequim, WA

17 years Jamie Witczak Rural carrier Sequim, WA

16 years Mary Ann Blake Sales associate Sequim, WA

1 year Mary Cruz Postmaster relief Lipscomb, TX

1 year Aisha Lee PTF clerk Hughes Springs, TX

Retirements

36 years Christine Stratton Postmaster Springdale, UT

Happy retirement and thank you for all your hard working years!

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Pacific: July 19-20: City of Industry, CA

July 26-27: San Diego

July 28-29: San Diego

Great Lakes: July 19-20: Indianapolis

July 21-22 Indianapolis

Cap Metro July 19-20: Greensboro, NC

Upcoming Events

Southern: July 19-20: El Paso, TX

July 21-22: El Paso, TX

Western: July 19-20: Portland, OR

Headquarters: July 19-20: Greensboro, NC

July 21-22: Greensboro, NC

Northeast: July 19-20: Scarborough, ME

July 21-22: Hampden, ME

Eastern: July 18-19: Louisville, KY

July 19-20: Louisville, KY

July 21-22: Lexington, KY

Creating an Engaging Workplace at USPS

Training course for all USPS leaders (Executives and EAS)

(844) 303-6424

LiteBlue Suggestion

Box

engagement@usps.gov