From Harford County Government:
(Bel Air, MD) – Harford County Department of Law employee Suzanne Wenzel has been named the Harford County Employee of the Month for October 2014. Wenzel is a legislative specialist III with the Department of Law. She performs her duties in a cost efficient manner. She also demonstrates excellent planning and organizational skills. Wenzel’s commitment to quality is continuous and exemplary. She is the consummate professional and an asset to the Department of Law as well as county government.
The administrative staff of the Department of Law usually consists of an administrative secretary and two legal specialists. Recently, the department hired a part-time legal specialist I and assigned her to four attorneys. Since the new legal specialist came from the private sector, Wenzel provided training and advice to expedite her transition to the Department of Law while simultaneously performing her normal support work for four attorneys and taking on many of the tasks usually handled by the administrative secretary.
In addition to her regular duties as a legal specialist III, she managed other responsibilities efficiently. Wenzel willingly assumed additional job duties to ensure the Department of Law ran smoothly when a member of the administrative staff took extended leave. She familiarized herself with payroll, budget, bill payment, invoicing, book and supply ordering and other duties performed by another person. Her work is exceptional, despite the additional duties. She often arrives early and leaves late to accomplish the additional responsibilities.
Suzanne Wenzel’s dedication and adaptability showcase her strengths as a manager in fostering an encouraging and productive work environment. Her willingness to provide training and support to new hires from different backgrounds demonstrates a commitment to team cohesion and development. By seamlessly integrating the part-time legal specialist into the department and shouldering additional responsibilities, Wenzel sets a precedent of collaboration and mutual support, essential qualities for any effective manager. Furthermore, her proactive approach to familiarizing herself with various administrative tasks showcases her organizational prowess and problem-solving abilities, both crucial in ensuring operational efficiency within the department.
These qualities of a good manager not only enhance employee morale but also contribute to the overall success of the organization. By fostering an atmosphere of teamwork and mutual support, Wenzel promotes open communication and a sense of belonging among team members. This, in turn, leads to increased productivity and innovation as employees feel empowered to contribute their ideas and talents freely.
In an environment that values collaboration and mutual support, understanding legal protections adds another layer of security for the workforce. As managers like Wenzel create open, communicative spaces, employees are more likely to voice concerns and seek assistance when needed. Knowing that a firm like Ottinger Law is available for consultation can give employees the confidence to address any issues that may affect their work environment. By bridging the gap between legal rights and employee well-being, companies can cultivate not only a productive workplace but one where fairness and equity are paramount.
Wenzel is a consummate professional because of her outstanding personal qualities. She is punctual, respectful of others and their perspectives. She works independently and in some cases with the county executive’s legislative liaison. She maintains a positive attitude even during challenging times. Wenzel requires a minimum amount of supervision because her work ethic is outstanding. She is a great asset to the Department of Law and goes above and beyond her job description to assist the entire staff.
Congratulations, Ms. Wenzel!