39. Be In The Gray Zone.

Not everything in life and work is black and white. Though we have policies and procedures, you often need to be in the gray zone, where guidelines and guiding principles are more important than following a rule. While making sure everything you do is ethical and legal, use your judgment and common sense when making decisions. If you’re unsure how to handle something, talk about it with a coworker or manager and collaborate to determine the best course of action.

Jennifer's Message:

A lot of our daily work routine is easy to identify as black or white, yes or no. Beyond our various tasks and job responsibilities we have the associate handbook which supports our company policies and procedures. But what about the gray zone? At some point we will all encounter a situation that goes beyond the black and white of company policy.

Ironically, writing about this fundamental was one of the most challenging tasks I have experienced at Famous. Think about it, how would you communicate the gray zone? To explain something that lacks definition even in the dictionary? I did a lot of research and finally came across the following quote from photographer Anders Petersen:

“In black and white there are more colors than color photography, because you are not blocked by any colors so you can use your experiences, your knowledge, and your fantasy, to put colors into black and white.”

Some careers at Famous exemplify what it is to work in the gray zone, and a Showroom Designer is one such role. As designers, we bring our customers’ ideas to life while executing a custom design unique to the space. When we practice this fundamental well, the customer and Famous benefit. Alternatively, if we don’t take the necessary steps, ask the difficult questions and involve the correct people the results can go drastically wrong.

Many of our designers do this well; utilizing their experience, knowledge, education and endless creativity every day. Pam Phillips is one of the best I have had the honor to work with.

Thank you,

Jennifer Perham
District Showroom Lead/Southern District