3rd Place: The Ideal Work Environment.

Geographic location, management and technical support, availability of resources, effective communication, interior and exterior surroundings, personnel, attitudes, commitment, dedication, and ownership--all of these considerations come to my mind when I think of the "ideal work environment." Come along with me as we travel to my Utopia for this ideal environment.

Naturally, we are in a prime geographic location that has perfect weather. Our casual drive to the office does not involve battling traffic and the elements just to arrive at the duty station. The short commute lends itself to a warm, sunny, stress-free drive that allows us to bask in the picturesquescenery along the way. Upon our arrival, we pull directly into a parking slot close to the building, of course.

As we enter the building, we engage in an exchange of cheerful greetings with the many happy, positive coworkers we come in contact with before arriving in the office. We settle in with a cup of coffee and take time to review today's calendar.

The manager approaches and after a casual exchange of small talk, tasks us with an exciting new project. Along with the assignment, we are given carte blanche to use whatever resources are needed to complete the project. These resources include technical, clerical, and computer support and a team of competent personnel. The suspense date is four weeks from now, which will allow us ample time to coordinate and complete the comprehensive project.

Does this represent a fair portrait of where you work? This may represent the ideal work environment, but only in Utopia.

Realistically, the considerations mentioned above are just "fluff." There is one exception, that being the personnel involved. Yes, the fluff contributes to a more ideal environment; however, I truly believe that ultimately people are the key to making the work environment ideal.

Competent, dedicated, self-confident coworkers functioning as a team and empowered by a dynamic team leader create the ideal work environment. A team of dedicated, positive associates who take ownership and pride in their daily work accept the challenge of making themselves accountable for this work.

Individuals of this caliber are proactively engaged in the journey of self-actualization. As they take this journey, they enthusiastically step up and accept the challenge with unwavering focus, boundless energy, steadfast commitment, and an ability to laugh at life's minor flaws. As individual team players, they willingly take ownership and accountability for the success of a project.

Along with personal accountability comes the demand for a willingness to change and grow. Often this is most difficult. Team members sometimes struggle with the ability to be flexible enough to consider the benefits of another's position. The ability to overcome the resistance of adapting to another team member's position will contribute to the successful outcome of the project. Simultaneously, this will generate growth and development in each team member.

Under the spirit of a true team concept, each member knows that in order to achieve personal success, the team as a whole must succeed first. True team players are willing to help all team members develop and stretch to reach their full potential. The end result is a win-win situation.

In essence, this type of environment is truly the ideal work environment.

I choose to work with a team composed of this caliber of associates as opposed to all the material luxuries that we encountered on our journey to Utopia. I challenge you to give some thought regarding your perception of the ideal work environment and how you and your performance can affect this environment.