Q: Describe your role within the firm.
A: I partner will all the business units and branches to understand their HR needs in preparing the firm to achieve its objectives. I am responsible for delivering the following HR functions to support this responsibility: Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Compensation and Benefits, and Employee Relations. Q: Describe how your division contributes to the firm's success.
A: My division helps the firm and branches to prepare for growth by understanding their future needs and delivering business led HR solutions. Q: What year did you start at Edward Jones? What year did you start in your current position?
A: I joined Edward Jones in 2002 as an HR Generalist and was promoted into my current position in 2004. Q: What did you do prior to joining Edward Jones?
A: Prior to joining Edward Jones I undertook a similar HR role in an Energy Technology company. 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: One of my responsibilities is the support and coordination of Branch Office Administrator (BOA) recruitment. I have the opportunity to work with the branches on a regular basis to understand their work environment, their business development plans and to support them in finding the right BOA partner to support and develop their business. Helping the branches to understand the value of the BOA role and the impact that the right BOA can have on their business development is a rewarding experience. Q: Describe the culture at Edward Jones and how it’s different from your previous job. What is unique?
A: The culture at Edward Jones is unique in that it truly embodies accountability for results and responsibility with each associate. The management philosophy of Responsibility Based Management is integral to all inter workings and relationships within the firm and how we deliver results. The firm is aligned in all areas and in all associates to a common purpose of serving the individual investor. This common purpose creates a sense of unity and direction which helps us all to be successful, individually and as a team. Q: One area Edward Jones prides itself is enabling associates to maintain a strong work-life balance. How does this approach impact you?
A: Edward Jones is a demanding work environment. It is very results focused and you are expected to deliver against what you set out to do. The rewards come with the results. As you demonstrate your success and your contribution, this is recognized with greater autonomy and self management. Q: What does the firm being a partnership mean to you?
A: As well as helping to ensure that everyone in the firm is driving towards the same objective, the opportunity to be an owner of Edward Jones means that you really get to see the rewards of the effort and contribution that you put into making Edward Jones a success. 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: When I joined the firm in 2002, I had no prior knowledge of Edward Jones. My initial meetings with people presented an organization that was steadfast and determined and knew in which direction they were heading. I am happy to say that these first impressions have proved to be correct. Q: Before you came to Edward Jones, what did the name mean to you? And after you came on board?
A: When I joined the firm, I had no prior knowledge of who Edward Jones was. I now understand the Edward Jones name to mean; customer focus, customer commitment, support and partnership. Q: Articulate the spirit of volunteerism that exists at Jones. How have you been involved and what was that experience like?
A: There is a true sense of volunteerism at Edward Jones. People really want to pull together to help the firm to achieve its objectives. I have been involved in a number of Saturday Support promotions. A group of us come in on a Saturday morning and work with the advisers to collate sales ideas and help motivate the advisers to increase their results. It is always a fun atmosphere and the advisers really appreciate this support. Q: Do you feel there are opportunities for advancement and greater income potential at Edward Jones?
A: With demonstrated success, there is always the opportunity to get involved in new projects and initiatives and to further enhance your contribution. The Responsibility Based Management philosophy supports those who want to advance and to increase their income potential. By taking accountability and demonstrating results, the opportunities for success and reward are limited only by your individual performance. Q: Do you feel you are rewarded for taking initiative and “going the extra mile” at Edward Jones?
A: The regular feedback opportunities and the trimester bonus allocations give leaders the opportunity to recognize initiative and contribution as and when it happens and not just on an annual review basis. Timely recognition of success and contribution motivates you to do more for next time. It's a win win situation! Q: What qualities do you think a person needs to have to succeed in the head office environment?
A: To succeed in the Head Office environment, you need to be determined, results focused, a team player yet able to work under your own initiative. As with all opportunities at Edward Jones, the only limits are those that you impose upon yourself. Q: How do you see your future at Edward Jones unfolding?
A: Every day I have the opportunity to develop my skills and understanding. I aim to continue to develop my skills within my chosen field of expertise, but know that if other opportunities present themselves in which I can enhance and further my contribution to the firm, I will have the opportunity to explore this. Q: As you go through your daily activities, how do you know you’ve achieved success at Edward Jones?
A: There are constant mechanisms for feedback to help you to understand the contribution you make and to ensure that you are on the right path. You know you have been successful because you have achieved your results and the firm has achieved its results. We are all working toward the same common goal so success is visible to all. The impact of your contribution is the true measure of success. 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: There is a sense of openness and accessibility in Edward Jones that you don't find elsewhere. If you have a question you need to ask someone, you go to their desk and ask them. It means that leaders get to see and hear what happens in their teams on a day to day basis. They don't sit in ivory towers thinking they know what is happening, they are part of what goes on. It helps us all to keep ourselves aligned to our common objectives, but also to look for opportunities to improve and enhance what we do day to day. Q: How has the firm supported your professional growth via training opportunities?
A: Every day I have the opportunity to work with people from other divisions and other areas of the firm. You learn a lot on the job and through your interactions with others. I have also had the opportunity to undertake professional development from in-house leadership training to firm funded programs at world class learning institutions. Q: Describe the training you received when you started.
A: The initial training I had was on the job. It was part of an on-going induction programme designed to help me to understand the history and culture of the firm, how we provide customer service and value, how we are structured to support this and what I could do to add value to the business. This helped me to understand my role, the contribution I could make and what was expected from me. Q: What has the firm's growth meant for leadership opportunities?
A: As the firm grows, new leadership opportunities are being created as are new opportunities for enhanced contribution in the firm as a whole. I have been involved in recruiting for a number of newly created leadership positions in the past year. The business is constantly changing and the business needs and opportunities constantly change too.
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