GUEST COLUMN:
Honoring Their 'Way'
SD1 staff should strive to live up to 
the legacy of those who came before us...

By Jordan Hamm
Guest Column

Take a few minutes to stroll around the SD1 Main Office and you’re bound to stumble upon areas designated “Mike’s Way” and “Nancy’s Way.”

But are you familiar with “Mike's Way?” Do you know what “Nancy's Way” is? 

“Mike's Way” is named after Mike Weir, who worked at SD1 many years ago. He has since passed away, but the impact he made on his co-workers who remember him continues to this day. Mike was hard working, genuine and customer focused. He made sure work was done and done well. Yet he always made time to get to know his co-workers. He balanced the need for both very well.

“Nancy's Way” is named after Nancy Johnson. She worked for SD1 for more than 40 years, much of that time spent in Customer Care. Nancy also was an incredibly hard worker, who made SD1 proud. And she too was able to balance making sure things got done with caring about and getting to know her fellow workers. 

Why do I bring this up? 

SD1 has taken steps in recent years to improve staff retention. Are we the only organization in the region, state or country that is facing turnover challenges? Of course not. There are many factors that contribute to this issue, many of which we have no control over.

But one thing we do have control over is how we treat each other and how we communicate with, get to know and support our fellow workers in each department and across the District.

We certainly don't have to be nosey, but a little personal interest goes a long way. This world can be so divisive. We shouldn’t let that carry over into our workplace. 

Working at SD1, from top to bottom, should be special. Our staff should feel proud to work here. Each department should have a family feel to it, with a culture of respect and dignity. That is how Mike and Nancy did things.

I feel we are moving in the right direction, and for that we are all to be commended. But we still have room for continuous improvement. While policies and standards may take time to implement, treating others with kindness and dignity can be done immediately. 

I firmly believe if we create an environment where every SD1 employee feels appreciated by their coworkers and managers, we'll see morale – and our retention rate – continue to improve. 

And by creating that environment, we also honor those employees who came before us. We honor their 'Way'.