Communicate.
with CCS
How to communicate with…
Cheyenne Wohlford
CEO
Overcommunicate:
Keep me in the loop as much as possible; CC and BC should be your best friend in an E-mail. I can decide what to do with the information. Clients often call me first, and I want to be armed with the most up-to-date information. Information deliveries are never "bothering me."
If you are working on a project, keep me in the loop regarding progress. A weekly update E-mail is always appreciated if we can't speak in person.
E-mail or text if you need an immediate response. I don't get slack notifications effectively while traveling on the plane. My e-mails and texts always load when I land.
I am a checklist guy and a check-the-box guy. Until I see that something has been addressed or dealt with, I assume it hasn't, and that item will move to my next day's task list. You must understand that, ultimately, I am responsible for everything that happens at CCS in the end and, therefore, will follow up until I know something is taken care of.
Electronic:
E-mails should be returned within 24 hours (business days). Even if you can’t answer the question or finish the project, please acknowledge that you received the E-mail and specify when you’ll have an answer or an estimate of when the project will be completed.
Text back within 2-3 hours. Follow the same general guidelines as E-mails – overcommunicating will always be received in a positive light, and don’t ever feel like you are bothering me.
Communicate Frustrations:
If you are ever upset or frustrated, please communicate that. Your best approach with be to communicate in kindness but with clarity. Don’t remain quietly frustrated. I am here to listen and to help. Again, we are small and must operate at a very high level daily.
Bonus:
Show initiative: Don't wait to be asked. Look down the road and see what may need to be done, and start working on it. Want bonus points? Keep me in the loop when you do that! You should always think…. Urgency NOT Emergency, in everything and every position at CCS.
Be on time and be prepared: 10 minutes early means "on time" in my book. When it's time for the meeting to start, you need to be 100% ready.
Look to take things off my plate: I'm passionate about what I do, so I take on a lot. Look for every opportunity you have to take something off my plate so I can stay in my lane of expertise as much as possible. Have a question about it? Just ask!
Loyalty: Protect the team and me ALWAYS. Let your words, actions, and attitude show your support at all times. Part of sharing my plan, vision, and ideas is to keep everyone in the know within our team. This doesn't include others outside our organization. You may also learn information that needs to stay with you directly and not be shared with the team until I am ready to.
My Pace: I work pretty hard and keep a very strong pace. Because of that, sometimes I will cross over time boundaries with people. If I'm doing that, TELL ME! If you don't, I'll just keep pushing harder. Communication is key!
I often work at night when I have time; this doesn't mean that you are required to do the same, just respond in a timely manner during normal business hours.
How to communicate with…
Roxanne Wohlford
Chief Culture Officer
Bonus:
Formal: I'm not super formal with my messages, you do not need to be either.
Although I don't work in the office daily, I am still involved heavily through communication with Cheyenne, and can help in any way you need. Just let me know!
I am always open for a brainstorming session over coffee, or something fun.
Availability:
I am pretty available most days! If it is after 9:00 pm I might not hear the notification, but I will respond the next day.
If I don't respond right away and you need something urgent, call me anytime.
Electronic:
I prefer text communication overall. I don't have everything come to my CCS email, so I don't check it often.
I am a "slacker" when it comes to slack messaging as well. I check it, but just not as frequently as my text messages.
Matthew Underwood
How to communicate with…
Operations Director
Fact to Face:
When it’s feasible of course, there’s still no substitute for human interaction. Chances for successful communication goes up, helps prevent misinterpretations, easier to read someone’s real feelings, and just helps to get to know people better.
Electronic:
No real preference between email, text, or Slack. I’ll address them equally and in my best guess as to order of importance
Phone: If I’m awake and it’s an important issue – I have no time limitations. I cherish family time in the evenings & weekends but will always step out when there is an issue that needs addressing and can’t wait.
Clarity:
We’re all very busy with lots of tasks. It’s good to make sure we walk away from meetings or other communication on What’s expected, Who’s got it, and by when.
Bonus:
Try to resolve the issue at hand and work through it first. And come to the table with a few options to a problem.
Before and while communicating: Take a deep breath, try not to make knee jerk reactions or have outbursts, have patience, think about what you’re about to say (people can’t unhear what you tell them). There’s a lot of power in our words – written or spoken.
I love the book “The No Complaining Rule”. In a nutshell, those who practice it’s suggestions get brownie points from me. Basically…..if you are going to complain – make sure you’re complaining to someone that can manage it and help resolve it, and always have some solutions ready to go along with the complaint. Don’t just complain about others to complain.
Be honest and be yourself: We’re all very different and that’s a bonus!
How to communicate with…
Jason Dann
Project Engineer
Communication:
Here is a little insight into who I am and how I work:
“ISFPs are imaginative creatives that live in a colorful, sensual world, inspired by connections with people and ideas. You have deep and intense feelings. Curious by nature, you take joy in reinterpreting these connections, reinventing, and experimenting with both yourself and new perspectives. You aren't limited by social conventions. Though quiet and shy, you are others focused, invitational and naturally accepting, wanting to minimize conflict.”
Bonus:
I don’t have a preferred means of communication. Whatever works best for you! All I ask is that if something is urgent, please let me know!
Feel free to drop in my office at any time to discuss work or personal life. I’m always here to listen and help in any way possible.
I am almost always available by phone after hours. If not, I will get back to you as soon as I can. Don’t hesitate to give me a call or shoot me a text.
Help me help you: If you need something from me, be specific and provide as much information as you can. I want to make sure I don’t waste our time and get you exactly what you’re looking for. The more detail the better!
I’m a big sports guy. If you want to talk sports, hit up a game, or need a last-minute sub in your rec league, I’m your guy!
I love coming up with solutions to solve problems. If you’re stuck and want to run something by me, please do! Again, this can be work or personal life!
How to communicate with…
Sarah Stanek
Human Resources Manager
Communication:
I am always available. Face-to-face, text, or email are my favorite methods. I like time to process and organize my thoughts, so give me an hour or so for any electronic communication. If you have a specific vision, overcommunicate. Too many details are better than not enough.
I love the 'why' behind any request. If you can give me an end goal, it will be easier to determine the best route.
I am an early riser, so I go to bed early. I stop checking my phone around 8:30 or 9:00 p.m.
I like to help. If you have a problem, need a listener, or want to brainstorm with me, stop by anytime.
Always let me know if I am overstepping. I am here to help, but I never want to step on toes or make anyone uncomfortable.
Ask me! If you are unsure, ask. I will not get mad or defensive. Let's all be on the same page. You can expect an honest answer from me.
Lists on top of lists. Give me a checklist, to dos, ect. I love it.
Bonus:
'Happy Communication'—you never have to be too formal. I like to build relationships and never want anyone to feel unwelcome. We are all on the same team, so let's make it fun.
Please reply to messages. If you don't respond, I assume it wasn't seen, or I made a mistake.
How to communicate with…
Austin Brown
Controller
Availability:
I go out of my way to answer messages to my phone ASAP. If you are in need of a response immediately my phone is always on. Otherwise I typically check my email before 9pm to make sure nothing critical is in my inbox before bed.
Outside of business hours if something is needed asap please use my cell phone. Slack’s notifications don’t always come through but I do check it first thing in the morning.
Flexibility:
I want to make all of your lives as easy as possible, if your communication style doesn’t match mine lets discuss!
Solution Based:
If you’re having an issue and would like to discuss it, I would love to help. However, if you’re just wanting to talk through something and do not want an answer, please tell me, I can just listen too!
Bonus:
Hours: My work schedule is 8-5, however I do work in the evenings and on weekends quite a bit. Please don’t feel pressured to respond if you get messages outside of normal hours unless I text you. Then I am seeking an immediate response.
Open Book: I love our work family here at CCS and am an open book with my personal life. Feel free to tell me if you don’t feel as comfortable talking about life outside of work, that’s okay too. .
Work Life: I am passionate about being a team player for the greater good of the organization. Don’t let any intensity dissuade you from communicating with me.
Next Level: Cheyenne likes to talk about next level a lot. We can provide a lot of value if we all steer our thinking towards the next steps in CCS’ growth.
Direct: I tend to be very direct in how I communicate
K.: Please take the extra few seconds to write okay or give me a thumbs up emoji. If you do use this I will assume something is wrong.
Face to face: For meaningful conversations!
Marketing & Communications Director
Cameryn Kremer
How to communicate with…
Face to Face:
Questions, ideas, and then some – lets brainstorm! This also helps creates closer relationships and increases clarity. Let's talk design, photos, and content ideas!
Electronic:
No preference between email, text, or slack. Email me about projects so I can keep them all organized.
Call, snapchat, facetime, everything works!
Bonus:
Informal: Skip the formality! Be relaxed and keep it light. I love to have fun with my messages – I keep it professional when it needs to be, and do not want this trait to come off as unprofessional.
Communicate Emotions: Tell me how you feel. I express my feelings easily and readily – let me know if I overstep.
Deadlines: Give me time limits and check lists. I thrive on lists.
“Spirited” Communication Style – I like to make myself available for others, build strong relationships, and have an extensive network.
How to communicate with…
Jason Burcham
Logistics & Shop Manager
Communication
Face-to-face communication is great! We’re all busy, so also send me a text or email to help me keep everything in order.
If it is an emergency, call me. The best way to reach me is to text me.
Email or slack work great for low-priority requests; I will check it when available!
Try to stick to the same communication method - having texts, slacks, and emails can get messy.
Bonus:
Be Direct: Tell me whatever you need with clear direction.
Availability: I like to spend my nights with my family,
Hours: My hours are 8-5, with the exception of travel days.
Cleanliness: Please put things back where you find them in the shop to keep it clean. Let me know what you take so I can keep an accurate inventory and products in place.
Don’t be afraid to send me lists; it always feels nice to check things off of a list.
You don’t always have to come to me if you need something, come say hi!
Corporate Pilot
Ryan Kirby
How to communicate with…
Communication:
If we're not in person, I prefer a phone call. Texting works great as well.
Preference list: In person - phone call - text - email - slack
I am accessible to the team at any time; I do not have strict hours!
Don’t worry about trips on the weekends. I will make it work.
I do not have a communication style preference, formal or informal, whatever you feel is appropriate.
When you request the plane, it is ideally in person or over the phone. There is always lots of back-and-forth. Let's eliminate that and figure it out with a call! If you have all of the details, a text message works fine.
Bonus:
I am here for the team safety, comfort, and convenience.
In the plane, if you see something, say something! If something is concerning to you, address it with me.
If I am busy, on the radio, or in the middle of a task, please wait until I am finished before starting conversation.
Depending on the environment or nature of the flight, I will brief different stuff. TBM passengers are isolated, we will have to talk on the headphones. The SR is similar to a car and we can all communicate.
I like to really clarify things, so there is no interpretation to something. I might come across like overbearing with details and questions, but that is who I am- having a plan makes it all work!
Always give me as much information about what you want as possible.