“Whether it’s professional or personal development, John makes it a priority through team meetings, encouraging professional development, and monthly one-to one meetings. He has consistently challenged and encouraged me – and others – to take time to focus on development and to try new things.“
Welcome to this weeks article about what makes Willory truly unique: our team. Without the people on the Willory team we would not be recognized as one of the top workplaces in Northeast Ohio and have grown so significantly in the last (almost) eight years.
Get to know Willory’s Consultant Tammy Mueller through her own words. If Tammy’s words resonate with you and you want to join #TeamWillory, check out our Why Willory? page.
HOW DID YOU FIND WILLORY?
I was looking to make a major career change by stepping back from the hustle and bustle of the corporate HR workforce. I was searching for HR consulting opportunities and uploaded my resume through Willory’s website. Bob Haas contacted me about a “short” term project (it lasted 10 months) which I accepted. As a follow up he suggested I meet with John to learn about Willory and how I might fit into the strategy long term!
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE TAKEAWAYS/STRONGEST DEVELOPMENTS FROM WORKING AT WILLORY?
- Obtaining my Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification
- Crucial Conversation training
- Being consistently encouraged to challenge myself
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT SEPARATES WILLORY FROM OTHER RECRUITING/CONSULTING FIRMS
Two things, first is the fact that Willory is solely focused on HR and payroll. This specialization makes us experts in this market segment and we use our knowledge to consistently meet our customer’s needs. Second is when an issue arises where we can’t meet the need, we will work with the client and outside contacts to refer them elsewhere to for assistance in meeting their need. We are consistently putting quality before quantity!
WHAT ARE THE 3 MOST SIGNIFICANT LESSONS THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
- Learn the business both financially and operationally to show to executives you understand the implications of decisions to the company.
- Be approachable. Take time to develop relationships with employees and managers to establish both trust and honestly.
- Expect the unexpected. You just can’t make up the stuff that you will encounter on a day to day basis.
HOW HAS WILLORY HELPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER DEVELOPMENT?
Development is a daily topic at Willory! Whether it’s professional or personal development, John makes it a priority through team meetings, encouraging professional development, and monthly one-to one meetings. He has consistently challenged and encouraged me – and others – to take time to focus on development and to try new things.
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE WORKING WITH THE FIRM?
I have recently signed up to be a mentor through the Cleveland Chapter of SHRM. I am super excited to get to work with someone new to the HR field and share my passion and experience from the last 26 years!
HOW IS YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE? WHAT DO YOU SPEND MOST OF YOUR TIME DOING OUTSIDE OF WORKING AT WILLORY?
For me, work life balance, is one of the best things about to working at Willory. Being able to work from home is certainly awesome and provides greater flexibility with the busy schedule my husband and two teenage children have. But more than that, I feel John has created a culture of “family first.” We work hard, but when there is a family need, whether a crisis or a school function, it is understood that those come first. I have observed how the entire Willory team will rally around to support each other during a personal need.
