Q: Describe your role within the firm.
A: I provide training and support to Branch Office Administrators (BOAs). I promote branch effectiveness and efficiency best practices. Q: Describe how your division contributes to the firm's success?
A: Our department mission is to: ''Provide our customers and branches easy access to information, friendly support and reliable solutions''. We achieve this through branch and BOA training, encouraging branch effectiveness and teamwork. We make proactive contact to support the branches. All of our Business Plans relate to the U.K. 2007 firm objectives which are to maximise client satisfaction, improve health of branch business, grow the number of branch offices and improve financial performance of U.K. business. Q: What year did you start at Edward Jones? What year did you start in your current position?
A: I started at Edward Jones in February of 2006 in this role. Q: What did you do prior to joining Edward Jones?
A: Prior to Edward Jones, I worked in Training and Development for Christie's (the auctioneers), based in St.. James', King Street, London. Q: Are there any memorable experiences you'd like to share that encapsulate or typify what it’s like to work for Edward Jones?
A: I have enjoyed hosting the BOA Regional Meetings, seeing the enjoyment on the BOAs faces and see them interact with each other. I have also received an e-mail from a new BOA who thanked me for the support I had given to her through her first six months. It made me feel very proud of her and it was such a nice compliment to receive and I felt satisfied that I had done a good job. Q: Describe the culture at Edward Jones and how it’s different from your previous job. What is unique?
A: You are recognised for the work that you do and get rewarded for it with a performance related bonus which I think is really fair. I enjoy the Responsibility Based Management leadership style that the firm has adopted. And I like it that the general partners of U.K. know associates by name. They are all very approachable and this makes me feel that Edward Jones is true to its culture in that it feels like a family run business. Q: One area Edward Jones prides itself is enabling our associates to maintain a strong work-life balance. How does this approach impact you?
A: I don't go home 'worrying' about work like I used to. I leave it behind at the door and I think that the ethos of the firm has helped me to do this. I work hard and play hard. I swim two or three times a week outside of work. I have moved to London so that I am closer to work (I am only now 1 hour away, I used to travel 2 hours each way!) This has also made a real difference to my personal life. My colleagues have become my friends and we regularly go out socially to the gym or pub. As a department we arrange activities such as meals, rounders and BBQ's which is also very social and helps with team-building. Q: What does the firm being a partnership mean to you?
A: The firm being a partnership really makes you think! It has made me think about the day to day resources that I use. Not only am I thinking more 'green' but saving money for the firm too, because I realise that the people I work with have a share in the business and it is ultimately their money I am spending. It excites me too as I might also be able to have a share in the firm one day. Q: How did you hear about Edward Jones in the U.K. and what were your perceptions before joining? Have those perceptions proved to be right or wrong?
A: I heard about Edward Jones through joining a recruitment agency which I registered with. I had not heard of them before. My perception prior to my first interview was completely different. It was completely the opposite to how it really is – which is friendly, down to earth and a great place to work. Q: Before you came to Edward Jones, what did the name mean to you? And after you came on board?
A: It said to me approachable, long term investor, in the community and always putting the client's needs first. In addition to all of the above which is true, I realise that we all have one shared goal and that is meeting the client needs and that is true whether you work at Home Office or in a branch. Q: Articulate the spirit of volunteerism that exists at Jones. How have you been involved and what was that experience like?
A: Volunteerism is encouraged. I have worked on a Saturday for the Trimester promos. I was involved in a contest by calling clients for some Financial Advisers during the Achieve 110% May contest. I have noticed that many BOAs and Financial Advisers have come forward and volunteered to become mentors in each of their regions. People are always willing to contribute and share branch ideas in conference calls, dial an ideas, Monday motivations, contests, regional meeting hosts and presenters which I have been involved in. I still think that it is the responsibility of all associates to keep this alive and the momentum going to ensure that this continues. Q: Do you think Edward Jones has taken good care of you in terms of overall compensation package, including medical benefits, vacation time, retirement planning and salary?
A: I am pleased that we now are able to gain an extra holiday aligned to our service. I have joined the firm pension scheme which is great as I have never worked anywhere before where the firm contributes to your pension. Q: Do you feel there are opportunities for advancement and greater income potential at Edward Jones?
A: There are definitely opportunities for developing your career. I have seen evidence of that within the past year. I think promotion will come with an increase in income. Q: Do you feel you are rewarded for taking initiative and “going the extra mile” at Edward Jones?
A: Yes – I have been rewarded financially through the trimester bonuses and praise received from my Department and Team Leader. Q: What qualities do you think a person needs to have to succeed in the head office environment?
A: To work in the head office, a person should be approachable, friendly, flexible, open to change, hardworking, able to work on their own and as part of a team. They also need to embrace the culture. Q: How do you see your future at Edward Jones unfolding?
A: I have progressed and grown into my role since joining the firm and I can see a future at Edward Jones which is why I accepted the position at my interview. I would like to become a Team Leader. Q: As you go through your daily activities, how do you know you've achieved success at Edward Jones?
A: I receive positive praise from my team leader and department leader when it is deserved. Daily tasks contribute to my monthly report. This is a great opportunity for me to review what I have done over the month and these reports then enable me to write my trimester reviews and appraisals. It's great to review what you have achieved throughout the month. Regular monthly one to ones and feedback from my team leader is the platform for celebrating success. The department also issues service stats which are shared with each team member. Our department, Branch Associate Training and Development (BATD), also provides monthly stats regarding our training. Q: There are very few offices at Edward Jones, with nearly all the firm's leaders located in cubicles. What does this structure mean to you?
A: The firm structure is very open and 'flat'. I mean flat in a positive sense. Although the hierarchy is fairly flat, the general partners and senior management still get the respect they deserve. All senior managers are extremely approachable. The office structure assists with this as it means that people are always accessible should you wish to speak with them. It also shows that everyone is seen as an 'equal'. I like it that they all know my name. This means a lot to me. Q: How has the firm supported your professional growth via training opportunities?
A: When I first started I had a very well thought out four-week training plan to follow which my team leader had put together to introduce me to the firm, it's culture and the industry. Since then, in true Edward Jones style, I have taken ownership for my own personal development. I have spent time in some branches and have also attended branch seminars. I attended the BATD BOA training in my second week, to really understand the role of the BOA. I have observed Financial Adviser Development training to understand the role of the Financial Adviser. I am currently studying for my CIS and Regulations exam (this has been encouraged) which will give me the financial industry background knowledge which will contribute to my role as I will have a greater understanding of the business. Q: In terms of ongoing training, are you able to use either internal or external continuing education to continue to grow your career at Edward Jones?
A: If I choose to I am able to utilise outside vendors e.g.: a local college for my continued professional development. I would need to put a business case together and have this approved by my team leader and department leader and possibly other senior management. I am scheduled to attend an internal Financial Adviser course "Know Your Customer" and "Eval/Grad" to strengthen my knowledge of the Financial Adviser role and ultimately that of the branch. Q: What has the firm's growth meant for leadership opportunities?
A: Growth means that there is an increase in opportunities for new positions being created e.g.: team leaders. I am aware of leadership (internal) courses once you are a leader. It would be good to have a set of courses for someone such as myself who wants to develop the skills to become a leader. Maybe a leadership programme for people aspiring to become leaders, or a 'buddy/mentor' programme where you could seek advice and guidance. I have adopted someone in the business to become my mentor as she is a team leader; a position that I am aiming for. She gives me advice and guidance which is very useful. It is also great development for her to mentor someone.
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