Member Spotlight

Annette Borrelli

For many years I’ve been thinking about the key to true success. I’ve spent countless hours contemplating the formula. Wondering, what are its properties, how are they combined and in what amounts? As a chemical engineer as well as a quality specialist, I’m sure you can imagine the detail necessary for an analysis of this scope. Add to the mix subjective factors like available resources, personality types and existing networks and you have the making of an unmanageable project. Being a persevering person, I continued to contemplate this question for many years, sometimes thinking I might never find the answer.

Throughout my career at 3M and as a volunteer with ASQ I have met many amazing people. Whether experts in their fields or individuals just lending a hand I have benefitted from their knowledge.

I have had the pleasure of reporting to some truly great managers. I learned so much from them and sometimes still hear their voices guiding me as I move through my days. My peers have often been as crucial to my success as the bosses. They have been there to support, guide and consul me on even my most challenging days. Without a doubt, those that I have benefitted most from were the individuals that I lead. Like holding a big, giant spot light they were able to show me the clearest picture of all.

I initially started volunteering with ASQ in an effort to give back to an organization that I felt was instrumental to my professional success. I started on the Member Services Committee and had a great time. We worked on developing an ASQ MN website and hiring our very own webmaster. I met scores of exciting Quality professionals during the membership drive. We conducted surveys at ASQ MN Conferences and made changes that resulted in higher member’s satisfaction. It was an amazing year and all the time I was getting closer to finding the answer to my question.

Then I was asked to join the board and help with project planning, SMP. I was honored that the chair - elect had personally asked me to join. To this day I still have his voice mail message. He made a big impact on my life. His dedication to the people we served was inspiring and I learned some tremendous lessons from him. We ended up with the Bronze Award for SMP and I didn’t realize how close I was to my answer.

I then moved into the position of treasurer. After all the fun and excitement of SMP, I was now stuck in a paper pushing system, as treasurer. This was not my favorite role but with the support of the board and volunteers I was able to implement an electronic approval system.

So there I was as Chair – Elect and looking forward to doing even greater things at ASQ MN than ever before, when it hit me. Like a thunderclap and as plain as day, I had the answer. How could it have eluded me for so long when it was right in front of my face?

Like a video playing just for me, I saw the faces of the generous people I had known. I watched as they offered suggestions to help others solve problems and meet challenges. At that moment, it dawned on me that the first part of the formula was sharing.

As I looked more closely, I felt rather than saw their pleasure. I could literally feel their spirits’ coming alive through their concern. I realized the second part of the formula was caring.

Now other people filled the screen and I saw groups cheerfully interacting. This one was easy and I got it right away. After so many years, I recognize volunteering when I see it. The third part of the formula is giving.

I give this formula to you to use freely, openly and without reservations. I know that you have a wealth of knowledge to share, have a caring spirit and give with open arms. You are the key to the success of this formula. In fact, you hold the key to the future and I know you will use it wisely.

YOU are the key to it all.