My First Job: Melissa Acton

The Seattle Times Company

September 7, 2007

My First Job: Melissa Acton

E-mail |
Print
- Share:

Melissa Acton

Now: Executive

Then: Dining-room server at a retirement community

Current position: Principal and co-founder of Chameleon Technologies

First job: In working with elderly people, I quickly realized that sharing their life's tales was important to them and the way they wanted to spend their time. I had to adapt to be able to respond to this need, and step away from the fast-pace nature of the work in order to sincerely listen.

What I learned: The same skills that I learned while working with the elderly still apply to my current role. I constantly need to step away and listen to my staff's input, questions or concerns in a sincere and respectful manner. We are only as successful as our team, and working to listen to each other with an open mind and ear is an imperative part of that success.

E-mail |
Print
- Share: