DIRECTOR'S CORNER

….. from John Halikowski

A Culture of Helping

Is it important to encourage helping behavior within ADOT?

In many high performing organizations, it is a norm that colleagues support one another’s efforts to do the best work possible. Collaboration is vital when outcomes rely on creativity and innovation to complete very complex projects. Cooperation provides perspective, insight, and expertise that improve the quality and implementation of ideas.Cooperative behavior allows us to focus energy on opportunities and unleashes innovation and creativity.

What can we do to build strong working relationships and become willing collaborators?

what's coming up at ADOT

Check out the ADOT Events Calendar!
You can contribute your important events.

Celebrate Service

The Partnering Office has a Holiday tradition of adopting a family from the ADOT Holiday tree. In the past few years they have developed a new tradition in support of that: Nacho Ordinary Fundraiser is an opportunity for everyone to get a great lunch, plus some holiday treats, and support an ADOT family right along with the folks in Partnering. This year's event was clearly a great time!

Holiday time is all about the tradition of giving for many of us. ECD employees Sergeant Kathy Kontz and Officer David Priest take this to heart. They have participated in the Shop with a Cop program for over ten years.

From the Prescott news: Shop with a Cop is a program that pairs a law enforcement officer with an at-risk child to give the child an opportunity to see an officer in a non-threatening situation. This program fosters a positive relationship between the two, while also allowing the child to provide for and contribute to their family's Christmas. Many of these children come from less than ideal situations and are given an allotment of money to spend for needed items as well as gifts for family members and loved ones. This event is made possible solely from donations from quad-city citizens, organizations, and businesses.

ADOT is so proud that our officers participate and we want everyone to know how special Kathy and David are.

Congratulations!

ADOT wins Employer of the Year Award

The Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter of Women In Transportation (WTS) awarded ADOT the Employer of the Year Award for its support and promotion of women in transportation. Take a look at an excerpt from the nomination below.

"ADOT’s mission is to provide a safe, efficient, cost-effective transportation system that improves the quality of life and leaves a legacy for the benefit of future generations of Arizonans. One of ADOT’s focus areas is Workforce Development, which supports, engages and empowers our employees as fundamental elements needed to achieve a high-performing organization. In 2012, women made up 47 percent of the United State labor force, and 52 percent of all workers in management positions. Of the 4,164 employees currently at ADOT, 1,698 are female, which represents 41 percent of the ADOT workforce. In addition, there are 780 male and female in management, of which 278 are women, which is 35 percent of all workers in management. While ADOT does have a diverse work force, it does have a slightly lower percentage of women in the agency compared to the national labor force, and we can always do more. ADOT provides technical and professional training for all of its employees located throughout the state, but it also provides an opportunity for women who are managers and supervisors to network and learn from each other through a program called Women Information Network (WIN). This program, led by a group of senior level leaders called the WIN Innovators, provides an opportunity for women supervisors and managers to meet fellow ADOT employees they typically wouldn’t have an opportunity to meet; to network and discuss common issues; to learn from each other through brown bag lunch sessions and mentoring; and identify growth opportunities in the agency."

Read the full nomination form.

Congratulations!

Bonnie Opie has accepted the position of Acting Partnering Administrator for the Intermodal Transportation Division effective December 15, 2014.

She will assume the duties of Teresa Welborn, who recently left ADOT.

Please support Bonnie in this special assignment

The Women's Information Network, a Leadership, Networking & Education Brownbag Lunch program, meets bi-monthly in Phoenix and once per year in Tucson and Flagstaff, and we are working to expand our reach to Kingman and Yuma in 2015.

All ADOT female managers and supervisors are invited and encouraged to sponsor non-supervisory staff members as guests.

The November 12 event featured networking and 'Did You Know Bingo', an opportunity to learn crazy and informative facts about our agency. For example, did you know that the car wash at Van Buren and 7th Ave. accepts ADOT accounts, or that the MVD issues registration for hot air balloons? Take a look at the other interesting fact on the WIN page of the ADOTNet.

Mark your calendar for future WIN dates:

January 21	How to Achieve Lifestyle Balance Dr. Tom DeCoster Human Resource Development Center (HRDC) GC 1,2,3 An exclusive one-time only event that you do not want to miss!
February 18
April 22	Wear This, Not That   Special Time: 9:00A – 12:00P
June 17
August 19
October 21
December 16

For more information about the WIN program contact Mary Currie

The US 89 landslide certainly warranted a lot of media attention, and ADOT has been in the forefront of the news around this project from the beginning. The latest installment of the ADOT blog contains a new time lapse video -one minute and twenty two seconds that represents about three and a half months of work! Check it out here:

What is group mentoring? It is a methodology for individual development that utilizes advisors (mentors) and multiple learners (mentees) in a group setting. Although structured as a group, learning is individual and each mentee works on his/her own unique learning needs and developmental goals.  On the surface, group  mentoring looks similar to classroom training. Yet on closer examination, group mentoring has much more in common with its one-to-one mentoring brethren.

In classroom training, trainers deliver a specific set of pre-defined material. The trainer’s job is to impart knowledge, provide practice for trainees, and test that the material has been properly retained and understood. Each student walks away with the same set of knowledge.

Mentoring groups function differently. Mentoring groups may explore career development, help build networks and facilitate knowledge transfer. Mentors guide mentees by sharing experiences, asking probing questions, participating in shared activities and introducing to others who can help further their goals. It is important to know the pros and cons of initiating a group mentoring program.

Each Month we will list links to new issues!
ITD Highway Maintenance

Helpful tips to keep you safe and secure on-line this Holiday Season! ADOT Infrastructure Protection Security News

Does your Division or Work Group publish a newsletter that we can provide a link to or info on where to find it? Send the details to the IGNITE mail box.

Celebration

Awards and Recognition

Awards and Recognition service award and retirement gifts

The purpose of employee recognition and award programs is to say "thank you", "well done", "we value you as an employee".

When an ADOT employee reaches five years of service the employee selects a special gift as a token of appreciation. Our awards partner MTM Recognition sends a special thank you to the employee with a personal link directing them to the catalog of gifts for making their gift selection. Please be on the lookout for special e-mail from MTM Recognition as you get closer to your anniversary. This email will come to you every five years and again at retirement, to commemorate each anniversary.

The Awards and Recognitions Criteria Committee is working on developing award criteria for several new annual agency recognition awards - and a new look for the program at the beginning of 2015 - stay tuned for more information coming soon!

Employee Appreciation Events Cast your vote today!

The IGNITE THE DISTRICTS section features stories and news from ADOT Districts around the state - last month was all about Employee Appreciation events. As Awards and Recognitions evolves and prepares to roll out new policies, procedures and programs, we want to know how YOU want to be appreciated! Several Districts do their own annual event, and Awards and Recognitions is looking for ways to support that, and to encourage the Phoenix District to hold an event (a little harder for such a huge area). What is your opinion on these events? Please take a few minutes to answer the anonymous survey to help us better serve ADOT employees statewide.

Monthly Service Award

Each month this section features the 20+ year awards. Are you interested in seeing all the Service Award information?

Awards beginning with 5 years of service are on the ADOT Intranet at ADOT Awards and Recognitions. Congratulations to all and thank you for your service!

20 Years

Employee	Org Name
Stanley A. Soesilo	Information Delivery Solutions
Eleazar Macias	Broadway Landscape Maint
David L. Smith	Phx Reg S/I Oper-maint
Amin Aman	Bridge Group Direct

25 Years

Employee	Org Name
Keith A. Jung	Information Delivery Solutions

30 Years

Employee	Org Name
Karen M. Bakker	Tempe Dual
Pe-Shen Yang	Bridge Group Admin
Rose A. Vega	Tucson District

35 Years

Employee	Org Name
Antonio Maya	Phoenix Construction

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

ADOT staff at the Capitol Complex helped ring in the season at the annual Holiday Tree Lighting with Holiday carols, tree decorating and of course some treats. Thanks to all who attended. Celebration with our ADOT family is an important part of our ADOT culture.

Know Snow

All of us received an email sent on behalf of our new Deputy Director of Transportation and State Engineer Dallas Hammit about being prepared to drive safely in winter weather, and ADOT’s Know Snow campaign. This is the message we put out to the public and it's important that we as employees are knowledgeable about this preparedness, both for our own safety and to serve as good examples in the community.

Dallas says “As an agency, we are ready for whatever is ahead. Our snowplows are standing by and are all set to clear the roads for drivers.

Public safety is ADOT’s top priority, and as transportation professionals, it is so important that we all set an example and drive with extra caution at all times, but especially in winter weather conditions.”

Take a look at the Know Snow page on the ADOT website and see what it means to truly be prepared.

Opportunities abound for everyone to learn and grow personally and professionally with the newly developed classes available through the ADOT Learning Center. The new evaluation period is fast approaching for employees and supervisors to meet and discuss SMAART Results for the upcoming year. These meetings provide an time to identify new development opportunities for employees to enhance their knowledge, skills and abilities, and for employees to be an active part of their own professional growth.

ADOT Corporate Training offers number of classes that can make a difference for personal and professional development in many unique settings.

Personal Development

Corporate Training offers courses for every employee to enhance their personal skills and abilities. Courses include Beginner and Intermediate Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint with additional computer classes available in the spring and summer of 2015. And do you ever feel like time is getting away from you? Corporate Training also offers Time Management classes for those interested in maximizing their time and managing their lives and jobs m ore more effectively at work and at home.

ADOT Leadership Academy

The ADOT Leadership Academy provides supervisors and managers the opportunity to attend classes instructed by many of our own ADOT leadership providing you with the tools and skills necessary to grow professionally. ADOT Leadership Academy classes are scheduled and open for self-enrollment through the ADOT Learning Center website. The Leadership Academy Training Matrix can be found on the ADOT Learning Center website under Training Matrices/ADOT Leadership Academy.

"Targeted Selection" open for self-registration through the ADOT Learning Center

Attention hiring managers/supervisors: Targeted Selection is a proven training program designed for hiring managers to develop the skills required to evaluate and integrate job-relevant data gathered during the interviewing and selection process to arrive at the best hiring decision. Classes start in January 2015. This training is mandatory, so register now and be prepared for when vacancies occur.

Leadership Arizona

Situational Leadership and Crucial Conversations are just two of the in-depth leadership classes now being offered through ADOA's Leadership Arizona . This training program is provided by the Ken Blanchard leadership group and focuses on building solid leadership capability throughout all State agencies. Course descriptions are available on the ADOT Learning Center website under Forms and Matrices/Leadership Arizona.

If you have any questions regarding training courses content, course availability or how to enroll in courses, contact ADOT Corporate Training at 602.712.8155.

Leadership Arizona Classes scheduled in Flagstaff and Tucson

The Arizona Department of Administration announced additional classes for the Leadership Arizona program in the Flagstaff and Tucson areas.
Leadership Arizona is the State of Arizona's leadership training program focused on building solid leadership capability throughout all State agencies. These courses are part of the new ADOT Leadership Academy.

Self-Enrollment:

Classes are available for self-enrollment through the ADOT Learning Center website under Agency Training Schedule - By Course Code. The Self-Enrollment and Cancellation Quick Reference Guide is located on the ADOT Learning Center Website under Training News and Information. Enrollment is open to supervisors, managers and prospective supervisors (non-management employees expected to promote within the next year).

Locations and Dates:

Tucson Sessions are located at:					Flagstaff Sessions are located at:
State Complex (4th floor conference room)					United Way of Northern Arizona Building, Suite D-1
400 W. Congress, Tucson, Arizona 85701					1515 E. Cedar, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
Course	Start Date	End Date	Time		Course	Start Date	End Date	Time
AZLDRSLII2 Situational Leadership II	Tue, Mar-10	Wed, Mar-11	8:30 AM – 5:00 PM		AZLDRSLII2 Situational Leadership II	Thur, Apr-09	Fri, Apr-10	8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
AZLDRCRCO2 Crucial Conversations	Mon, Mar-23	Tue, Mar-24	8:30 AM – 4:30 PM		AZLDRCRCO2 Crucial Conversations	Tue, Apr-14	Wed, Apr-15	8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Cancelations:

Employees must notify ADOT Corporate Training within eight working days prior to their scheduled training session if they are unable to attend. CANCELLATIONS OCCURRING LESS THAN EIGHT BUSINESS DAYS or NO SHOWS WILL BE CHARGED TO THE DIVISION.

Course Description:

	Situational Leadership II (SLII®) is a two-day course designed to teach leaders to identify the needs of an individual or a team and then use the appropriate leadership style based on the needs of the person and the situation.  Participants learn a common language and approach to leadership; competently match the right leadership style to the situation; increase responsiveness as people who get the leadership style they need - when they need it; and foster two-way accountability for goal accomplishment
	Crucial Conversations is a two-day course designed to teach the skills necessary for leaders to create alignment and agreement through open dialogue and conversations around high-stakes, emotional, or risky topics.  Participants learn how to face crucial conversations and handle them well through extensive in-class practice, group participation, and personal reflection as they explore and master critical skills.

We delighted to announce Amanda Lether, Administrative Assistant III, as the newest member of the Leadership and Employee Engagement (LEE) team.
Amanda comes to us from the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), where she served as Administrative Assistant II within the office of Assistant Director.  In addition, she has 7+ years of valuable administrative and customer service experience with the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division.

Welcome Amanda!

As the end of the year approaches, the LEE team prepares to bid farewell to our Director, Cheri Hull. She will be retiring in January 2015, and while we are very excited for her to enjoy retirement, we don't want her to go!  The amazing progress that she has made in helping our agency move from good to great is truly a legacy to be proud of. From assisting the Director with the original internal communications research in 2012 that led to ADOT's focus on employee engagement and leadership development, Cheri has tirelessly worked to help us co-create the best ADOT we can be. While Leadership and Employee Engagement will not be the same without her, the team she has built is committed to continuing that legacy.  Here are a few words to say thank you, Cheri, for all you have done for ADOT and your staff.

In order to IGNITE a fire, you need a spark.  That spark is Cheri.  The culture change fire that is moving through this organization was sparked by Cheri’s passion for getting people, teams and organizations where they need to be.  I learned a lot from Cheri just watching how she influenced other people’s passions and will forever be grateful for the lessons I learned. - Mel Brender

Cheri’s leadership and mentoring style opened a new world for me personally and professionally.  The opportunities that she has created for the professional development of ADOT employees is a legacy for which she can be proud.  - Mary Currie

Cheri has consistently communicated well, listened and exhibited trust in the entire LEE team which has allowed us to be innovative in our provision of services and in our problem solving. She has “walked the walk, as well as talked the talk”. It is this demonstration of accountability and role modeling that I will keep in mind and try to display in my career at ADOT. Her actions and interactions have certainly had a strong, positive impact on ADOT’s culture and will continue to inspire us. - Vinny LaBella

A co-worker, a mentor and a manager are all things Cheri has been for me. Today I also call her a friend. The opportunity to serve the people of ADOT through the Colors Work program is perhaps the greatest professional  gift I have ever  been given, and I cannot express my appreciation for all she has done for me in mere words. Creating the space and environment for me to bring this kernel of internal leadership work to 4,000 state employees is in my opinion ground breaking, and this is only one of the amazing programs and opportunities that she influenced. Thank you Cheri, for all you have done for us individually and for the agency. -Mj Vincent

Cheri has inspired me as my supervisor and as a mentor.  Her vision and passion in guiding our team has opened many new opportunities that will have a long lasting impact on ADOT.  As our team carries the torch, we wish Cheri a long and happy retirement – Kim Phillips

Did you know?

2015 Safety Calendar Celebration

Many ADOT employees look forward to the Safety Calendar each year. Did you know that the winners are celebrated in a special ceremony just before the calendar comes out? The 2015 winners and their ADOT family member celebrated this year at the Carnegie Center on December 10th.

Month	Child's Name	ADOT Relative	Division		Month	Child's Name	ADOT Relative	Division
Cover	Kristin Coreella	Lourdes Lerma	TSG		July	Angelina Villalba	Donnelle Clark	MVD
January	Jake Herrera	Sonya Herrera	ASD		August	Josie Greener	Sarah Greener	ASD
February	Conner Shippee	Sasha & Logan Trump	MVD/ITD		September	Ariel Beltran	Juan Beltran	MVD
March	Nikaya Hernandez	Sylvia Carrillo	Division		October	Anna Mariah Robles	Yuri Lechuga-Robles	ITD
April	Lily Faden	Mark Vaughn	TSG		November	Kylie Jade Golson	Ian Golson	ITD
May	Elias Runyan	Lorena Runyan	ASD		December	Madison Moore	Carrie Moore	ITD
June	Kaysan Salahuddin	Md Salahuddin	MVD/ITD		January 16	Rohinir Kar	Kohinoor Kar	ITD

Research

Why Creating Organizational Change is So Hard

by Chee Tung, Leong for Gallup Business Journal

This is an excerpt from a May 2014 article, with some ADOT relevant information mixed in. We hope you can see where our agency is going from good to great in this area.

Behavioral economics -- the study of how human thought and behavior affect financial decisions -- provides us with clues for why creating lasting organizational change is so difficult. Factors such as status quo bias (a preference for keeping things the same) and loss aversion (the tendency to prefer avoiding losses more strongly than acquiring gains) interact to stack the odds against employees acting very differently for very long.

Organizational politics, silos, and market dynamics exert additional drag on effective change implementation. Poorly defined objectives,

milestones that seem impossible, and metrics that are unclear or not objective can further complicate a change process.

So what can leaders do to improve their chances of successfully implementing organizational change? They should use an intentional, structured approach to determine where they are now, where they want to be in the future, and how they bridge the gap.

1. Assess the current state to understand where the organization is starting from as it begins the change process. What are the organization's strengths? What are its barriers to change? Are employees ready and willing to embrace the change and adopt new behaviors?

2012 survey of Agency Internal Communication results in increased focus on Employee Engagement. 2014 Management Survey of Culture shows our Agency's current cultural state and Executive team looks to Divisions for incorporation into the Strategic Plan.