Find Your Branch

Being an EAS Employee Is More Than a Job—It's a Mindset With Expectations

Being an EAS Employee Is More Than a Job—It’s a Mindset With Expectations
By Dee Perez
NAPS New York Area Vice President

When I was a young, naive supervisor, I believed in management camaraderie. We all were appropriately dressed in business attire, even when we walked routes, regardless of the weather. If it rained, we wore raincoats. When we were paged to answer a customer’s phone call, we were called on the loudspeaker as Mr., Mrs. or Miss, followed by our last name.

Back then, when there was a monthly NAPS meeting, EAS employes would flock to these meetings. Sometimes, 50 to 70 or more members would show up just to network and say hello to each other.

Did the camaraderie and team concept end because of the Pay-for-Performance Program? I’m only surmising because PFP, as it developed over the years, provided different goals and responsibilities to different EAS positions in order to achieve raises. Before PFP, all we had were “steps” to increase our pay yearly. It was something you got, no matter how good or bad a year you had.

In my experience, I’m noticing new EAS employees don’t take pride in what they do as supervisors; it’s just a job. As I listen to upper-level management discuss their concerns, one issue is employee availability in the EAS ranks. In my day, you rarely heard of an EAS employee calling out on sick leave.

Today, unfortunately, they are issued corrective action because they are not regular in attendance; it’s a problem. I’m also been told EAS employees are too friendly with the craft and don’t confront them or issue corrective actions as needed.

To all the new EAS employees: Being in management is a calling—it’s not for everyone. You really need to understand who you are as a person. The expectations are daunting and confusing at times.

And there’s not enough time in the day to do every single thing.

The person who endures in this environment is organized and understands and accepts the pressure that is a result of the Postal Service deeming everything a priority. This person must be willing to put in the required time—days and hours necessary—to succeed, while possessing the leadership qualities and skills to resolve issues that often arise at the last minute.

And, above all else, you must remain focused, have thick skin and not take things personally. If any of these qualities I just mentioned are not who you are, you should reconsider what you want to do in the USPS!

The basic EAS rules you must abide by at all times include:

1. Have regular attendance—99% to 100% of the time.

2. Dress professionally every day.

3. Even if you personally do not like your superior, respect the title.

4. Follow instructions given you.

5. Enforce the process on how work must be done.

6. For your mindset, pretend it’s your personal business and these employees work for you.

7. You must observe and issue corrective action when required; just do it.

8. When you talk the talk, you also have to walk it.

9. At all times, think before you speak; no foul language.

10. Do not disrespect anyone in the craft or EAS ranks.

11. Keep current daily on all your emails; respond timely and respectfully.

12. Complete your training as soon as possible.

13. Respectfully question your superior, when needed.

14. Abide by the national contract agreements.

15. Don’t take anything personally.