"Understanding my thinking approach has really freed me to reach my potential," says Janis Wignall, Manager of Science Education for a Seattle biotechnology company.
A 17-year veteran, Janis started her career there in the laboratory doing what she calls "bench research". After nine years of being in the laboratory she recalls, "My interest in doing bench science was starting to fade and I was feeling like I was ready for a new challenge in my life”. With a degree in Microbiology and Virology Janis had her name on over 20 research papers (as a part of a team). She noted, "Any scientist would have liked to have any of those references on their resume."
Janis made a pitch to her manager to leverage her passion for science and bring it to life for children. Her idea was to give children exposure to "real science" under a corporate umbrella.
She received the opportunity to prove her concept on a part-time basis. The challenge came a couple of years after developing the program when Janis was asked to write a strategic plan to take the program full-time. "I really had trouble with this - especially when I had completed the first draft and my boss told me 'That is not what I had in mind.'"
Fortunately, Janis had previously met Jan Thomas and contacted her for clarification and help with strategies for this challenge. "I was concerned when I arrived at Jan's office. I had a mind map and all these ideas that I just could not get out of my head and onto paper. Jan looked at me and said that I must be suffering from the 4 P's- prioritization, procrastination, pain and paralysis."
By understanding Janis’ personal thinking approach, Jan developed strategies that worked with her approach and not against it. Using these strategies, Janis created a strategic plan that allowed her to leave behind "the bench" and become fully focused on out-reach education.
Her path to success included the Thomas Indicator Profile® that gave Janis additional tools to be completely successful in her new role. As a part of her career development plan the company agreed to have Jan Thomas coach her.
Over the next five years, the concepts of the TIP℠ became integrated into Janis’ approach. Today she notes, "I feel like I have an internal structure for work that allows me to be successful in my role. I am always validated."
The bottom line is that Janis continues to grow in this role. With the company’s ongoing commitment, she provides innovative community programs that include working hand-in-hand with local and state educators; ensuring that tours to VIPs, such as congressman and senators, are successful; and developing a wide range of community out-reach programs.
One of her favorite programs is "Take Your Kid To Work Day" (TYKTWD) in which employees are invited to bring their children to work to experience hands-on science. About 200 employees' children attend TYKTWD which includes a tour of the laboratory. This opportunity exposes students to science in the workplace.
Some of the measures of success for the science eduction program include students who toured the company and later made a decision to pursue a science career. Some of them now work for the company. Long-term relationships that have been established with local teachers are also measures of the program’s success.
In 2000, Janis was honored as a recipient of the KCTS Golden Apple Award. She was presented the award by Governor Gary Locke for her work in education.
Janis notes that today she is a different person who has been given the gift of being able to think out of the box. She uses this gift within the framework of a major biotechnology company to be personally successful and to help the company succeed.
