Crown Winners:  Lessons for Success in the Workplace Part 2

Last week we began a three-part peek into the world of pageant winners, focusing on how the grit behind the glitter corresponds with success in the workplace. This week we continue spotlighting Ann Clemmitt, Miss Rodeo Nevada 2011.

In addition to Clemmitt’s duties as Queen, she also participates in rodeo events. Her favorite is Team Sorting. Ten cattle with numbers on their sides mill around in a large gated pen. Two riders have 90 seconds to sort the cattle and drive them in numerical order into another pen in the arena. Communication is huge. Contestants must be able to communicate with their animal partner as well as their teammate and their animal partner in order to win.

How does Team Sorting translate to Employee Teamwork?

Effective communication is essential to business success in any situation. Being able to articulate your point under pressure can be challenging. We usually have about 30 seconds to make our point before attention is lost. Think through what you are going to say to eliminate unnecessary words or fillers. Be clear, understandable and avoid jargon.

Throughout the years, Clemmitt held officer positions in 4H and the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). She gives back to the community with involvement in the Reno Rodeo Foundation Reading Roundup. Life does not entirely revolve around rodeo and horses; Clemmitt graduated this spring from UNR with a Bachelors of Science degree in Information Systems. Employed by Apex Performance Solutions, she is working towards receiving her Project Management Certificate and currently serves as Vice President of Membership Truckee Meadows Toastmasters.

How does serving in 4H and other organizations translate to success in the workplace?

Becoming a member of a group gives you an opportunity to make valuable and life-long connections. Support your group members and they will support you. Networking is a key component to furthering career goals. Serving as an officer on a board gives you a chance to use your skills and talents outside the workplace. You gain exposure to programs your organization is involved in and become part of a facilitating team. Often times there is a board position nobody wants to do. Take it on! Improve the position. Make it so exciting that members are looking forward to volunteering. Create the groundwork for people to easily step in and take over.

What does Clemmitt say is the best part of being Miss Rodeo Nevada 2011? Getting to interact with a variety of people. From first graders in Reading Roundup and fans in the airport, to other rodeo queens, audiences in the stands, rodeo committees and contract personnel. She has made dozens of long-term friends. What is her motto? You can learn something from everybody. There is always room to improve in life, in the arena and in the workplace.

Written by Ann Clemmitt, Miss Rodeo Nevada 2011 and Susan Fix, The Applied Companies Community Liaison Partner.  Clemmitt is employed by Apex Performance Solutions and working towards receiving her Project Management Certificate. Fix has worked 15 years in staffing services performing outside sales, recruiting, permanent and temporary placement coordination, career counseling, customer service and social media/business.