about me

biography

I was raised in Moorhead, Minnesota. As a child, I had a very active imagination. I fostered this imagination by playing with LEGO’s and spending time outdoors. As I grew up, I took an interest in basketball and soccer. This interest culminated when I named to the All-North Dakota and All-Eastern Dakota Conference soccer teams in 2003.

In my free time, I enjoy following the Minnesota Timberwolves, playing video games and watching movies. Two of my favorite movies are Jurassic Park and The Dark Knight Rises. Incorporating a Pepsi with any of these activities makes them significantly better. However, spending time with my family, wife and beagle is, by far, my favorite thing to do.

talent themes (top five)

Achiever

My Achiever theme helps explain my drive. Achiever describes a constant need for achievement. I feel as if every day starts at zero. By the end of the day I must achieve something tangible in order to feel good about myself. And by “every day” I mean every single day—workdays, weekends, vacations. No matter how much I may feel I deserve a day of rest, if the day passes without some form of achievement, no matter how small, I will feel dissatisfied. I have an internal fire burning inside me. It pushes me to do more, to achieve more. After each accomplishment is reached, the fire dwindles for a moment, but very soon it rekindles itself, forcing me toward the next accomplishment. My relentless need for achievement might not be logical. It might not even be focused. But it will always be with me. As an Achiever I must learn to live with this whisper of discontent. It does have its benefits. It brings me the energy I need to work long hours without burning out. It is the jolt I can always count on to get me started on new tasks, new challenges. It is the power supply that causes me to set the pace and define the levels of productivity for my work group. It is the theme that keeps me moving.

Learner

I love to learn. The subject matter that interests me most will be determined by my other themes and experiences, but whatever the subject, I will always be drawn to the process of learning. The process, more than the content or the result, is especially exciting for me. I am energized by the steady and deliberate journey from ignorance to competence. The thrill of the first few facts, the early efforts to recite or practice what I have learned, the growing confidence of a skill mastered—this is the process that entices me. My excitement leads me to engage in adult learning experiences—yoga or piano lessons or graduate classes. It enables me to thrive in dynamic work environments where I am asked to take on short project assignments and am expected to learn a lot about the new subject matter in a short period of time and then move on to the next one. This Learner theme does not necessarily mean that I seek to become the subject matter expert, or that I am striving for the respect that accompanies a professional or academic credential. The outcome of the learning is less significant than the “getting there.”

Strategic

The Strategic theme enables me to sort through the clutter and find the best route. It is not a skill that can be taught. It is a distinct way of thinking, a special perspective on the world at large. This perspective allows me to see patterns where others simply see complexity. Mindful of these patterns, I play out alternative scenarios, always asking, “What if this happened? Okay, well what if this happened?” This recurring question helps me see around the next corner. There I can evaluate accurately the potential obstacles. Guided by where I see each path leading, I start to make selections. I discard the paths that lead nowhere. I discard the paths that lead straight into resistance. I discard the paths that lead into a fog of confusion. I cull and make selections until I arrive at the chosen path—my strategy. Armed with my strategy, I strike forward. This is my Strategic theme at work: “What if?” Select. Strike.

Intellection

I like to think. I like mental activity. I like exercising the “muscles” of my brain, stretching them in multiple directions. This need for mental activity may be focused; for example, I may be trying to solve a problem or develop an idea or understand another person’s feelings. The exact focus will depend on my other strengths. On the other hand, this mental activity may very well lack focus. The theme of Intellection does not dictate what I am thinking about; it simply describes that I like to think. I am the kind of person who enjoys my time alone because it is my time for musing and reflection. I am introspective. In a sense I am my own best companion, as I pose myself questions and try out answers on myself to see how they sound. This introspection may lead me to a slight sense of discontent as I compare what I am actually doing with all the thoughts and ideas that my mind conceives. Or this introspection may tend toward more pragmatic matters such as the events of the day or a conversation that I plan to have later. Wherever it leads me, this mental hum is one of the constants of my life.

Empathy

I can sense the emotions of those around me. I can feel what they are feeling as though their feelings are my own. Intuitively, I am able to see the world through their eyes and share their perspective. I do not necessarily agree with each person’s perspective. I do not necessarily feel pity for each person’s predicament—this would be sympathy, not Empathy. I do not necessarily condone the choices each person makes, but I do understand. This instinctive ability to understand is powerful. I hear the unvoiced questions. I anticipate the need. Where others grapple for words, I seem to find the right words and the right tone. I help people find the right phrases to express their feelings—to themselves as well as to others. I help them give voice to their emotional life. For all these reasons other people are drawn to me.

feedback

I am writing to you to express my many thanks and gratitude towards...Greg Johnson...He intervened on a major problem and was able to accommodate me. I have to say that Greg was always personable, reasonable and was willing to listen to my concerns and issues...He validated my concerns and was exceptional at responding to my e-mails and calls. I am so happy he was on the other end of this problem. I am also appreciative of his efforts and time spent on my issue. I was really with the turnout and how Greg keep me in the loop and handled the problem. I just wanted to share my positive experience on working with Greg.

-Ariel, Customer

Greg has been a member of the Executive Resolution Team for almost a year and truly an asset the whole time. I consider Greg a "go-to" employee and he has proven time and again that he can handle any assignment. Greg exemplifies in an employee time management, communication, relationship building skills and overall hard work.

-Ben, Best Buy Executive Resolution Team Supervisor

[Greg] is really polished...and did a fantastic job with the communication to the customer, partnering with us to resolve and following up to close the loop. You've got a special talent with this one...top notch.

-Esau, Best Buy Sales Operations Lead

I would like to commend Greg Johnson...for outstanding service. My interactions with Mr. Johnson were professional, friendly and very helpful. With Greg's help we were able to reach a successful solution...

-James, Customer

[Greg] works on my team and is a terrific asset to our company.

-Lisa, Best Buy Vice President Enterprise Customer Care

I would like to commend Greg Johnson...Greg took ownership of the problem and found a solution.

-Paul, Customer

I just wanted to take a moment to tell you about an amazing treasure that your office has...[Greg] completely blew me away with his high level of care, professionalism and timeliness. He was in constant contact with me to make sure that every last issue was resolved...He helped to restore my belief that Best Buy exemplifies great customer service. Best Buy should keep him around!

-Sequoya, Customer

For additional feedback, please visit my LinkedIn profile here. If you have worked with me in the past and would like to leave me feedback, please do so here.

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