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Recognize Colleagues on 'Making a Difference' Blog

Employee transitioning to new position uses blog to thank colleague

Julianne Bartlett, right, gave a shout out to her colleague Jennifer Becker by using the Making a Difference blog.
Julianne Bartlett, right, gave a shout out to her colleague Jennifer Becker by using the Making a Difference blog.

Julianne Bartlett, undergraduate program assistant in the Department of Economics, wasn't sure how best to thank colleague Jennifer Becker for ongoing support during her first eight months on the job.

Bartlett recently stumbled upon the "Making a Difference" blog, a site that encourages employees to publicly share appreciation for colleagues. Bartlett seized the opportunity to recognize Becker for the advice shared during her transition to a new position, which came with questions about payroll and calculating student GPAs.

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"Jennifer has consistently taken time to help me in my own position, even though it is not her responsibility, and in doing so has helped smooth my transition to this position," Bartlett wrote on the blog. "She is extremely busy with all of her official duties, but she is always willing to take the time to explain not just what to do, but why we do it. Often times she answers my questions before I even know I have them. I couldn't ask for a better co-worker."

The blog is available year-round for Duke faculty and staff members to use. If a colleague has gone above and beyond the expectations of his or her job, employees are invited to share kudos. After a post is made on the blog, a copy of the message is sent by email to the colleague being recognized.

"It was very moving to get an email like that," said Becker. "It means a lot to hear praise from a colleague."

Both employees are now encouraging others to use the "Making a Difference" blog.

"We all know how and where to complain, but outlets for praise are often harder to find," Bartlett said. "I love the idea of this blog."