Star Stories

1. Give an example of what teamwork means to you...

Teamwork means contributing time and energy for the benefit of the group, even when others do not. A team player puts the needs of the team ahead of their own and makes decisions based upon how it would affect everyone.

Describe the situation…

Last August, my boss stepped down as unit manager. There was no notice, just an email saying that effective immediately, she would no longer be employed as our manager.

What was the task at hand…

There are approximately 100 employees in our unit. When the resignation was announced, we found ourselves wondering if and how things could run smoothly without a manager. There were so many unanswered questions... When would we get a new manager? What would we do in the meantime? Who would be in charge of handling employee scheduling, questions, or concerns? Would the patients in our unit feel the impact of this sudden change?

What action did you take….

Everyone tried to be as patient and understanding as possible. We learned to resolve conflicts between ourselves. We stepped up to the plate, took on extra tasks, and picked up extra shifts. Employee morale was a bit of a challenge, but we did everything we could to lift each other and make others feel appreciated, including “nice notes” and pot lucks.

Finally, what were the results of your action…

In January, a long six months after the resignation of our boss, a new manager was hired. He had to sort out quite a mess as he began, but overall we had kept the unit running rather smoothly considering the situation. Teamwork and hard efforts paid off during those months, and we grew closer together as a result.

2. Give me an example of a major challenge that you faced, and how you went about addressing the problem, and how it turned out...

Breaking off an engagement.

Describe the situation…

Two years ago, I started dating someone long distance. We dated for a couple months, then he came out to visit, and we talked seriously about married. Shortly after, he moved to Utah and we got engaged. We planned to have a short engagement, and get married when school started.

My family didn’t really like him. They said he was nice, but they didn’t think we were good for each other and they thought we were rushing things. I had doubts of my own, but quickly covered them up anytime my family voiced their opinion. After all, I was an adult and could make my own decisions...right?

It didn’t take long however, to realize that my doubts weren’t seeds planted by my family, but were in fact my own opinions. Unsure about whether to go through with the marriage, I realized I needed to make a decision...

What was the task at hand…

I felt like my head was spinning from listening to others’ opinions and the whisperings of my own conscience. I had to make a decision, and quickly, because wedding plans were underway and there wasn’t much time left.

What action did you take….

Because I lived with my family, and already knew what their advice would be, I decided to go visit a friend in Colorado for a few days. I needed space to figure out how I felt and what the right decision was for ME. I sorted out my own thoughts, prayed, and went to the LDS temple seeking peace and answers. They came, and I knew what I had to do. I drove back to Utah and broke off the engagement. My ex-fiance didn’t share my opinion, but respected my decision.

Finally, what were the results of your action…

While this experience might seem trivial to some, it was one of the biggest decisions and challenges of my life. I am so glad I took the time to figure it out and that I had the courage to follow the answers I received. I have been so much happier ever since and am currently engaged to someone else. He is the love of my life and we will be married next month. :)

3. Describe a past goal and how you achieved it...

One of my past goals was to go back to school full-time and pass the classes I registered for.

Describe the situation…

I had been out of school for a few years and found it hard to motivate myself to go back. I have always known I needed to finish college, but that’s easier said than done (especially for me).

What was the task at hand…

I had to register for school AND complete my courses. That sounds like a very basic accomplishment for college students, but it was extremely difficult for me. In previous semesters I had registered for classes, but then dropped them a few weeks into the semester. This had become a pattern, and I knew it needed to stop in order for me to pursue a college education.

What action did you take….

I not only enrolled in school full-time, but I motivated myself in order to finish the courses. I attended class regularly, kept up with the reading and homework assignments, and learned how to better manage my time.

Finally, what were the results of your action…

Not only did I finish the courses that semester, but I got A’s in every class! I stuck with it, even when it was overwhelming and seemingly impossible, and the hard work paid off. That semester I developed a love for learning and found that I actually liked the courses I took and found them interesting, even those I initially thought would be boring.