Lufkin, TX, Rural Carrier Sandra Landrum (left) and Retail Associate Michael Maxey (right) received their 30-year Service Awards from Postmaster Jeffery Lloyd (center).

Lufkin, TX, Retail Associate Michael Maxey (right) received his 30-year Service Award from Postmaster Jeffery Lloyd (left).

Lufkin, TX, Rural Carrier Sandra Landrum (right) received her 30-year Service Award from Postmaster Jeffery Lloyd (left).

 

North Texas, Processing & Distribution Center (P&DC) In-Plant Support Team (front row, left to right) Lead Operations Industrial Engineer Ann Dao; General Clerk Carla Harrell; Operations Industrial Engineer Bharath Siddam; Operations Support Specialist Marie Rogers; (back row, left to right) Manager, In-Plant Support Kristina Monet; Operations Support Specialists Donald Rogers; Maria Lockhart; Data Collection Technician Delynda Venable; and Operations Support Specialist Derrick Truman received a “Certified Engaged Team” Award for their engagement score that ranked in the top 75^th percentile of Gallup’s global client database with a minimum of 75 percent participation rate in the survey during Quarter IV of 2017. 

North Texas, P&DC In-Plant Support Team (left to right) Data Collection Technicians Suja Varghese; Stacie Pierce; Sherly Santosh; Operations Support Specialist Mike Gilmore; Data Collection Technicians Elena Loera; and Kathleen Sok received a “Certified Engaged Team” Award for their engagement score that ranked in the top 75^th percentile of Gallup’s global client database with a minimum of 75 percent participation rate in the survey during Quarter IV of 2017. 

 

Mesquite, TX, Carrier Annex Station Letter Carrier Addie House (left) was joined by his wife Darlene (right) as he received his 40-year Service Award and Official Retirement Certificate on April 27, 2018.

Mesquite, TX, Carrier Annex Station Letter Carrier Addie House (holding plaque) was joined by his co-workers who wished him well in his retirement.  House remarked, “Thank you all for your friendship and take care of your customers.  I never knew there were that many customers who knew and appreciated me.”

Mesquite, TX, Carrier Annex Station Letter Carrier Tommy Daniels received a customer compliment.

 

To whom it may Concern,

 

I live in Mesquite and on April 5, 2018 I was watering my plants in my front yard, as I was getting ready to close the faucet I tripped and fell backwards.  I called my husband who was inside my house and he did not answer.  I couldn’t turn off the water and was getting all wet and muddy.  Then I looked at the wand with which I was watering and noticed it had a turn off switch.  So, I turned it off.  All of the sudden at the base of the faucet there developed a huge balloon which burst all of the sudden.  So, I was getting wetter and very muddy and no one could hear my calls inside the house.  My husband turns his cell all the way down so he won’t get any calls and if it is important he will call them back.

 

Then to my surprise because we don’t usually get our mail until the afternoon and it was 10:00am in the morning, here came our Mailman.  I asked him to please turn off the faucet which he did.  Then I asked him to knock as loud as he could on my front door.  He asked me, may I help you get up?  I told him thank you but I wanted my husband to pick me up.  It’s because I’ve had both of my knees replaced and I can’t put any weight on them to get up.  When my husband helped me up the Mailman said ma’am your head is bleeding.  So, I ran into the house to change clothes, wrap my head in a towel and head to the emergency room.  After getting a cat scan and three staples on my head, they wrapped my left arm because it was bleeding too.  Then I was sent home to rest.

 

The first question I have is do you believe in God?  I do because he sent me your Mailman early that day.  The second question is there any kind of recognition you have in the Post Office to recognize this wonderful person for helping a person he didn’t have to and went above and beyond to assist someone?  I am 73 years old, even though I don’t consider myself old but I am in poor health. 

 

You always get complaints on Mail persons that do things wrong.  I worked for a insurance company and we always received complaints and seldom received compliments.  I believe we need more people that do the right thing in life.  His name is Tommy Daniels.  He knocked on my door today to see how I was doing.  He doesn’t know I’m writing this.  I just asked him for his name and gave him a big hug. 

 

You have an awesome person working for you and please appreciate him!

 

Sincerely,

 

Mesquite resident  

On April 25 & 26, 2018 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Consultant Terri Sitrin (above) was at the North Texas Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) offering a variety of free counseling services for Post Office employees.  The EAP has over 500 independent master’s level counselors who provide confidential consultation and short-term counseling to help postal employees sort through life’s ups and downs.

North Texas P&DC Mail Handler Technician Necole Haynes (sitting) took advantage of the free blood pressure checks and popcorn that was available at the EAP event.

Irving, TX, Valley Ranch Station Supervisor, Customer Services Debbie Wilson (right) received her 35-year Service Award from Manager, Customer Services Glenn Frorath (left).

Irving, TX, Central Station Retail Associate Angela Bostick (left) received a customer compliment.  She was joined by Manager, Customer Services Kenny Gilchrease (right).

 

Dear Mr. Gilchrease,

 

Please give Angela Bostick a raise ASAP for her excellent customer service.  I drive across Irving just to have here wait on me!

 

Sincerely,

 

Happy Customer

Irving, TX, Main Post Office Retail Associate Angie Wafer Bailey (right) received her 35-year Service Award from Postmaster Rodney Malone (left).  Malone thanked Bailey for her hard work and training that she gives to new employees.  Bailey commented, “I love my job.  I put 110% in what I do.  It’s been a pleasure working here and you guys have been my family.  I want you all to know that I love you and the Postal Service is the best place in the world to work.”

Frisco, TX, Main Post Office Letter Carrier  Jacob Tharakan (center) received his Official Retirement Certificate from Supervisors, Customer Services Randy Beazer (left) and Lenny Ingram (right).  His last day was April 27, 2018.  Tharakan remarked, “I loved being a Rural Carrier and will miss everyone!”

De Berry, TX, Postmaster Stanley O’Quinn (left) was presented his Official Postmaster Certificate from Manager, Post Office Operations Johnny Wright (right).

The National Association Of Letter Carriers (NALC) held their annual “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive Kick-Off on April 19, 2018 at the union hall. Pictured (left to right) Postmaster Yulonda Love; NALC Union President Kimetra Lewis; Food Drive Coordinators Rita Wilder and Anna Gunn; and Manager, Customer Service Operations Rodrick Cole all showed their support for the largest one-day food drive in the nation.

Tyler, TX, Azalea Station Letter Carrier Walter Bryant (center) received his 30-year Service Award from Officer In Charge Mike Arrambidez (left) and Manager, Customer Services Simone Jones (right).

Dallas, TX, White Rock Station Lead Retail Associate Raja Singh (far right) received a Gold Star Award and a Gift Card to the Cheese Cake Factory from management for a perfect transaction on a Retail Customer Experience.  He celebrated with (left to right) Distribution Clerk Andrea Carraway; Supervisor, Customer Services John Pitts; Retail Associates Monica Howard and Angela Scott.  All of the Clerks received lunch from Golden Chick for their effort helping to keep the retail line moving while providing excellent customer service.

Dallas, TX, Lake Highland Station Retail Associate Patrice L. Royal (right) received a Gold Star Award from Manager, Customer Services Tina Young (left) for a perfect transaction on a Retail Customer Experience. 

Dallas, TX, Lake Highland Station employees received a drawstring backpack and safety pin for finishing third in the Safety Video Contest of Quarter 4 in 2017.  The bags and pins were presented by Acting Manager, Customer Services Priscilla Jackson (far right) and Parkdale Acting Manager, Customer Services Tina Young (far left).

Dallas, TX, Processing & Distribution Center Mail Handler Deirdree “Dd” Russell (center) received an Engagement Most Valuable Player Certificate, lanyard and pin from Plant Manager Earl D. Randel (far right) and Manager, Distribution Operations Earl Jenkins (third left). She was joined by her co-workers (left to right) Mail Processing Clerk Annette Morris; Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) Technician Alpa Fabunan; BMEU Technician and nominator of the award Kim Edwards; and BMEU Technician Gina Ingram who congratulated her on this terrific accomplishment.

North Texas Processing & Distribution Center (P&DC) Mail Processing Clerk Marcia Sweet (center) received her 35-year Service Award from Manager, In-Plant Support Kristina Montet (right) and Acting Manager, Distribution Operations Daron Sneed (left).

North Texas P&DC Mail Processing Clerk Angel Rosario (center) received his 35-year Service Award from Manager, In-Plant Support Kristina Montet (right) and Acting Manager, Distribution Operations Daron Sneed (left).

North Texas P&DC Mail Processing Clerk Beatrice Jinks (center) received her 35-year Service Award from Manager, In-Plant Support Kristina Montet (right) and Acting Manager, Distribution Operations Daron Sneed (left).

 

 

A message from the Acting District Manager

Finishing FY 2018 Strong

We are mid-way through the fiscal year (FY) and it’s time to have meaningful discussions about our progress toward our goals for the remainder of the year. As busy as our workdays are, it is easy to let this opportunity slip by without reviewing what we are doing achieve our best performance. We need to be sharing best practices and ideas. Listening to each other builds trust; and trust is the foundation for any good team.

No matter what the goal, in the end it is all about focusing on the customer. We are moving quickly to meet our customers’ needs because our customers are drive the business results.  Every American should be able to rely on us for all their mailing and shipping needs. Through March FY 18, total mail volume is down 1.8 billion pieces.  This number is even more significant when you consider the fact that First Class Mail and Marketing Mail account for 70% of our revenue.  Package volume has increased 7% year to date, but that is not enough to offset these losses. We may deliver to every customer, but they have a choice about how they send messages and packages.  We must continue to compete for business in every product area.

While we focus on customer service, ensuring employee and customer safety must remain a priority.  Working safely benefits the organization, our customers, and most importantly – each and every employee.  It is everyone’s responsibility to follow established safe work practices and remaining alert while on the job.  Everyone should feel responsible for eliminating unsafe conditions by reporting hazards and taking actions that improve safety in our work places. 

Postmaster General & CEO Megan Brennan has stated “our problems are serious, but solvable” about the issues being faced by our organization.  This is also true of opportunities in our district - when we focus on improving results, we improve. There is no problem we can’t solve if we work together as a team.

Let’s finish FY 2018 strong!

Your Team and You ePromotion - Day 10

The EAP Can Help

Today marks the conclusion of the “You and Your Team” ePromotion. We hope that it has been helpful to consider ways to improve your relationships with your teams.

The EAP can be of assistance to you as you look for ways to continually improve your relationships. If you want some help with your relationship with others, EAP can help! Please feel free to contact me at 214-353-6996 or Cynthia Bursey at 214-353-0211 to discuss the ways in which EAP can assist you. You can also visit us on the www.EAP4YOU.com website for articles and other resources related to improving relationships with your team.

We’d like to thank you for your participation in this ePromotion. We are truly thankful for your readership and feedback and would appreciate hearing your thoughts about the “You and Your Team” ePromotion. And, we look forward to sharing more topics with you in the future.

Terri

Terri Sitrin, LCSW, ACSW, CEAP | EAP Consultant, Dallas District | USPS EAP

214-353-6996 | TLSitrin@magellanhealth.com

Magellan Health Inc,  2341 W Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX  75220-4415 Go to www.EAP4YOU.com or call 800-EAP-4YOU (800-327-4968) TTY: 877-492-7341

Dallas, TX, Northaven Station Manager, Customer Services Morris Fields received a customer compliment.

 

Dear Consumer Affairs,

 

Mr. Fields has been helpful, professional and kind with regard to my husband’s identity theft/mail case.  I appreciate his service so very much.  I am lucky to have him at my Post Office.

 

Thank you,

Happy customer

Tyler, TX, Main Post Office held a unique passport fair at the Tyler Junior College during International day on April 17, 2018 in which students, faculty and many residents in the Tyler area took advantage of renewing and applying for passport applications.  They processed 17 passports applications and generated $865 in total revenue. 

Retail Associate Bridget Mask (center, behind table) assisted a student with her passport application.

Retail Associates Bridget Mask (left, behind table) and Vermon Chatmon (right, behind table) answered questions and verified passport information from two applicants.

(Left to right) Retail Associate Bridget Mask; Officer In Charge Mike Arrambidez and Retail Associate Vermon Chatmon all posed for a picture after a very successful passport fair.

Tyler Junior College Professor of Public Science Manoucher Khosrowshahi (right) encouraged his students to renew and apply for new passports by giving them school credit in his classes.  Retail Associates Bridget Mask (left) and Vermon Chatmon (center) expressed their gratitude and thankfulness for the hospitality and student engagement that Khosrowshahi promoted.

 

 

 

 

The Frisco Main Post Office held a beneficial passport fair on April 14, 2018.  They processed 50 passport applications and generated over $2,350 in total revenue.

Frisco, TX, Main Post Office Retail Associate Eddie Hedge (left) verified the paperwork of a family’s passport application.

Frisco, TX, Main Post Office Retail Associate Erica Gordon (left) assisted a customer with her passport application.

 

 

Garland, TX, Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF) Garageman James Elliott (left) received his 35-year Service Award from Manager, VMF Frances Collins (right).

Garland, TX, Automotive Technician Terrance “TJ” Walker (left) received a Certificate of Appreciation from Manager, VMF Frances Collins (right) for his outstanding work performance during the year of 2017.

Garland, TX, Automotive Technician Luis Beltran (left) received a Certificate of Appreciation from Manager, VMF Frances Collins (right) for his outstanding work performance during the year of 2017.

Garland, TX, Automotive Technician Billy Donahue (left) received a Certificate of Appreciation from Manager, VMF Frances Collins (right) for his outstanding work performance during the year of 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

Dallas District the Mckinney Post Office featured in Lead To Win – April 13, 2018.

 

 

 

Dallas, TX, Brookhollow Station Retail Associate Angela Henderson (center) received her fourth Gold Star Award from Manager, Customer Service Operations Rod Coleman (left) and Manager, Customer Services Cloteal Hutchins (right) for a perfect transaction on a Retail Customer Experience.  She has been with the Postal Service for 24 years and is focused on giving great service to her customers.  They are the best part of her job.

The Red Oak Post Office was a participant in the Eastridge Elementary community service day. The students took a tour of the Post Office (below) and got to see the inside of a mail truck (above). 

 

Your Team and You ePromotion - Day 9

Tackling Negativity and Turning it Around

Have you ever spent time with people who complain?  Complaining and negativity are very contagious to any team.  Negativity can ruin people’s days and cause people to feel disconnected from one another. 

Recognize that you cannot control anyone else’s negativity and you cannot make people stop being rude or complaining; however, you can control your response to it and you can control your reaction.  Every time we provide a positive connection or response to someone, we benefit ourselves, set a good example for our team, and stop negativity from spreading. 

Today, turn negativity around.  If you hear a complaint from a person on your team, counter it with a positive statement.  If someone complains about a problem, ask them their ideas for a solution.  Practice reflecting negativity off of yourself like using an umbrella to repel the rain.  Practice saying out loud something positive to the people you interact with today.

Terri

Terri Sitrin, LCSW, ACSW, CEAP | EAP Consultant, Dallas District | USPS EAP

214-353-6996 | TLSitrin@magellanhealth.com

Magellan Health Inc,  2341 W Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX  75220-4415 Go to www.EAP4YOU.com or call 800-EAP-4YOU (800-327-4968) TTY: 877-492-7341

Your Team and You ePromotion - Day 8

Community

A community can be defined by any group of people linked together in some way. That means your team is a community linked by the work that you do.  Just as a community has common norms or expected ways of behaving within that community, so too does your team have its own traditions and common patterns. 
What are the common daily norms and behaviors for your team?  How do people interact on your team?  Does your team have traditions such as

celebrating holidays and birthdays? Does your team have an expected level of civility and constructive communication style or does your team lack in this positive behavior?

Think about your team, your daily norms, and team patterns.  Is there anything that you would like to see change?  If so, be the person who drives that change in a positive way.  It could be that you start a new tradition or engage people to participate in old traditions.  You can be the person who encourages civility and promotes people working together.  Remember, it just takes one person to help foster positive changes within a community!
Your assignment today is to practice positive interaction within your team.  Spearhead a celebration or holiday tradition.  Encourage positive communication and discourage negative habits like gossip.  Practice being a positive part of your community today.

Terri

Terri Sitrin, LCSW, ACSW, CEAP | EAP Consultant, Dallas District | USPS EAP

214-353-6996 | TLSitrin@magellanhealth.com

Magellan Health Inc,  2341 W Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX  75220-4415 Go to www.EAP4YOU.com or call 800-EAP-4YOU (800-327-4968) TTY: 877-492-7341

Garland, TX, North Station Letter Carrier Kenneth E. Morris, Jr. (right) received his 30-year Service Award from Supervisor, Customer Services Colleen Bane (left).

Garland, TX, North Station Letter Carrier Stephen H. Moore (right) received his 30-year Service Award from Supervisor, Customer Services Colleen Bane (left).

Garland, TX, North Station Letter Carrier Billy E. Simmons, Jr. (right) received his 30-year Service Award from Supervisor, Customer Services Colleen Bane (left).

Garland, TX, North Station Retail Associate Shirl A. Welsh (left) received her 30-year Service Award from Supervisor, Customer Services Colleen Bane (right).

 

 

Garland, TX, Kingsley Station Letter Carrier Shanty L. Castleberry (left) received her 25-year Service Award from Manager, Customer Services Indalecio “Rod” Rodriguez (right).

Waxahachie, TX, Lead Retail Associate Betty Osborne (right) received her fourth Gold Star Award from Postmaster Sonji Butler (left) for a perfect transaction on a Retail Customer Experience.  She has been with the Postal Service for 21 years and is happy to have a fantastic Postmaster.  Osborne commented, “We have an excellent team here and without them I wouldn’t have received this award.  I’m also glad my family supported me all these years throughout my career.”

Dallas District Data Collection Technicians Sandy Johnston (left) and Sunny Mathew (right) received Certificates of Appreciation from Manager, Financial Programs Compliance Cary Wasinger (center) for having zero sick leave usage in 2017.

Dallas District Manager, Financial Programs Compliance Cary Wasinger (left) received her 30-year Service Award from Manager, Finance Simi George (right).