How does a mechanical engineer win the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Human Resources Manager of the Year Award? It’s easy to understand if you know Margaret Jones.
Jones, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Transatlantic Division’s Business Integration Division Chief, was presented with the award Dec. 15 during an award ceremony at the Division headquarters in Winchester, Va.
With over 20 years of experience working with USACE, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Jones has vast knowledge to share with others, and she considers it her purpose.
“I have an obligation to help others,” she said. “I’ve been with the government for over 20 years and this is the time for me to give back and help others.”
Nominees were evaluated based on how they contribute to the Corps’ Human Resources mission focus areas: preventing talent loss, shaping the workforce for the future and winning the war for talent.
According to Donn Booker, the Division’s deputy regional business chief, Jones is well known for going above and beyond her job duties.
“If we come in to work every day and do what we’re supposed to do, I guess we can be considered successful,” he said. “But Margaret really gives back to the organization and it comes naturally to her. Her focus on developing, mentoring and coaching the workforce is inspiring to others.”
One of the ways she gives back is through a formal mentoring program that she developed. Her mentees include not only fellow Transatlantic Division employees but also members of her church. Though she’s generally focused on mentoring women, she recently accepted a man to mentor.
“I’ve been through so much, I try to share what I’ve learned,” she said. “I understand the unique challenges that women face and I can help them better position themselves both personally and professionally.”
Jones helps her mentees set personal and professional goals for the year, and tailors her program to the needs of each participant. There are reading assignments and homework to complete. In addition to mentoring, she designed welcome packets for new employees in the organization and even coordinated with the local Visitor Center to include information about the community. She prides herself on taking the time to visit with each member of her team every day.
“When I was deployed to Iraq, our general made it a point to visit each office every day and chat,” she said. “He remembered what we talked about, and made everybody feel valued. I took that lesson home with me and find ways to relate to everyone. There is more to a person than what they do at work.”
Booker said Jones sets the example for other employees by sharing her strengths in the workplace.
“Imagine if everyone shared their gifts and talents,” he said. “We’d be a tremendous organization. She’s always pressing forward, even in the face of setbacks and she’s found ways to pass that on to the organization.”