WHAT IS YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS SAFETY?

Sometimes it is good to reflect on the fact that we control our own destiny and that we create the situations in which we find ourselves.  For July, we are not going to specifically bring up ways to be safer at work but to just remind you that YOU can help yourself and keep yourself and your coworkers safe. 

How can you do this?  ATTITUDE.  How you decide to act and deal with life every day.  Below is a great quote from Charles Swindoll.  Enjoy

ATTITUDES

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearances, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company… a church… a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude… I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you…we are in charge of our Attitudes.

We are delighted to announce that St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, CA has expanded its operations with Minuteman. We are implementing a program at St. Jude that inlcudes valet parking attendants and self-parking cashiers. We had previously been conducting lane ambassador and shuttle operations at St. Jude and this change will broaden our service to the hospital. For over 50 years, St. Jude has met the needs of the community with values such as these:

DIGNITY

We respect each person as an inherently valuable member of the human community and as a unique expression of life.

SERVICE

We bring people together who recognize that every interaction is a unique opportunity to serve one another, the community, and society.

EXCELLENCE

We foster personal and professional development, accountability, innovation, teamwork, and commitment to quality.

JUSTICE

We advocate for systems and structures that are attuned to the needs of the vulnerable and disadvantaged and that promote a sense of community among all persons. These are the guiding principles for all we do, shaping our interactions with those whom we are privileged to serve.

Minuteman shares St. Jude’s values and outlook. St. Jude is the fifth hospital we have added to our growing portfolio of satisfied clients during this past year, and we are excited to start servicing its patients and visitors with compassion and respect.

Minuteman Parking would like to recognize one of our employees, Kirk Boardman, for his constant Commitment to Excellence in service.  Kirk is a Driveway Ambassador at the Manhattan Beach Marriott, and what he does on a daily basis for the guests and visitors at this hotel is what great service is all about.

Just ask Mr. Ric Wunn, a recent guest at the Manhattan Beach Marriott:

“While waiting for my team out front of the property each morning, I watched your Valet team.  Kirk, one of the team, was particularly interesting. When a car was delivered for a guest, if the party was not waiting, Kirk would grab a cleaning solution bottle, squeegee, and rag, and clean the windows.  He would occasionally stop and assess his work.  When the guest arrived, he would greet them, open the doors, load luggage, etc.  I don’t know if the guests all noticed, but I did.  I complimented him on his professionalism.

On June 3rd I gave a speech on professionalism to a group of high level managers.  In that speech I mentioned Kirk and his professional approach to what he did.  I told the group that Kirk didn’t just do the job, he owned the job.  Absolutely the finest Valet team in the business.

I am District Manager for all Air Traffic Control operations in Colorado and Wyoming.  My business is very exacting and complex.  I now have a goal of taking the Marriott Valet story to my own teams.  There is the old saying…’I know professionalism when I see it….and I know it even more when I don’t.’ At the Marriott Manhattan Beach, I SAW professionalism throughout the team. You can all be very proud of yourselves…I am.”

                                                                      -Ric Wunn, District Manager, FAA Denver Air Traffic District

I have had the pleasure of working with Kirk at multiple properties, both as a valet under his tutelage, and as his manager at his current location.  He taught me most of what I know about service.  His knack for remembering people is uncanny and is his greatest asset.  I believe that this comes not from some God-given talent, but from his passion for serving others.  Kirk truly enjoys knowing and helping all of our guests and does it with professionalism and enthusiasm every time he punches in for his shift.  Kirk makes the job fun and those around him laugh, but most of all, he makes each guest feel special and that is a prized ability in the hospitality industry. 

Ask anyone who has visited the Manhattan Beach Marriott in the past eight years and they will remember Kirk.  And even if they don’t remember his name, they will most certainly remember the enthusiastic and helpful blonde-haired character on the front drive who loves fishing.  I guarantee it.

- Ian Wilson

As we gear up for the summer months we want to remind all Minuteman Parking Company Employees about Heat Stress and what you can do to prevent it from happening. Over 4,000 Americans die each year do to heat related illness. Many of the heat related deaths last year where due to working in the heat or certain diseases that can disrupt your body’s temperature control mechanism.

Hear are the 3 varieties of Heat related problems and what you can do to prevent them.

1.)    Heat Cramps: When you start getting heat cramps you should get out of the hot environment and stop using your large muscles. You should also drink a lot of water to replenish your electrolytes.

2.)    Heat Exhaustion: For heat exhaustion you should get out of the heat immediately and take off any excess clothing. You should lie down with your feet up and drink a liter of water slowly. You should also use a fan to help cool your body down. If after 30 minutes you are still feeling the effects of Heat Exhaustion you should seek medical attention.

3.)    Heatstroke: If you are experiencing heatstroke you are having a medical emergency. You will need to call 9-1-1. You need to lower your body temperature if you are having heatstroke. You will want to put ice packs on your neck, armpits and groin. You also want to be covered with a wet sheet or towel and go into a room that is air-conditioned.

What can you do to prevent Heat Stress? Here are five simple steps that will help reduce your chances of having any Heat related illnesses while at work.

1.)    Pre-Hydrate: You should drink 16 ounces of fluid before you start work and drink 8 ounces every 20 minutes during strenuous activities.

2.)    Drink Flavored Water

3.)    Acclimate to the heat slowly: If you are not used to working in the heat it will take 5 to 7 days for your body to get used to the high temperature. You need to acclimate your body to the heat by adding more time outside each day.

4.)    Don’t Wear a Hat: Wearing a hat restricts heat loss through your head.

5.)    Wear loose, thin synthetic fabrics

So as your work day starts to heat up, stay cool and you will be safe.