Gerald Michalski is applying to be the next Park Service Candidate for the Developing Leadership Talent course. He has over 5 years of experience with Universal Orlando Resort's Park Service Department, working his way from attendant to status lead. Michalski has a background in security and emergency response from his time in the Air Force and with Allied Barton Security Services. He has also earned two associate degrees, demonstrating strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Michalski believes his natural curiosity and constant pursuit of new opportunities make him well-suited for the DLT program.

1. DLT Candidate
Gerald Michalski
World Expo Status Lead
Universal Studios Florida

2. 1
INTRODUCTION
My Name is Gerald Michalski I have been a proud member of Universal Orlando Resorts
Park Service Department for almost 5 years now. In my time with this department I have
experienced many of the opportunities offered by both nights and days teams. I have
worked my way from an attendant to status lead. My work ethic and personalcode of
conduct have served me well to advance through the ranks and earn my strips. After
looking over this document you will agree that I am the right choice as the next Park
Service Candidate for Developing Leadership Talent Course.
A SOLID FOUNDATION
My parents instilled in me from the moment I was born a core set of values that have
guided me in every aspect of my life.
 Compassion:
a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for anotherwho is stricken bymisfortune, acco
mpanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.
 Respect:
esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, apersonalquality or abilit
y, or something considered as a manifestationof a personalquality or ability
 Open Mind: A mind receptive to different opinions and ideas.
 Ownership: Do a job the best you can; do a job the best it can be done.
CORE VALUES AND BUSINESS
The following is how I have used these values to lead my Team here at Universal
Orlando Resort:
 Compassion: There is a belief that being a compassionate person in the work
place means you are a weak leader. Many believe that you have to put pressure
on employees in order to increase performance. However connecting with
others in a meaningful way helps the employee enjoy better mental and physical
health. Happy employees also make for a more congenial workplace and
improved customer service.
Compassion Respect Open-Mind Ownership

3. 2
 Respect: Team Members universally want to be treated first and foremost with
respect. As a Lead I have worked very hard to showall Team Members from a
New Hire to Managers the upmost respect. I Treat people with courtesy,
politeness,and kindness. When I am working in an area I always encourage
Team Members to express opinions and ideas. It is important for me to in turn
listen to what others have to say before expressing your viewpoint. I do try not
to speakover, butt in, or cut off anotherperson. When a Team Member has an
idea to change or improve work I want them to try their idea. I believe that
treating Team Members with respect will help ensure a respectful, considerate,
professional work place.
 Open-Mind: In order for me to keep up with the ever changing nature of our
business,I must be open to new experiences and new ways of looking at things.
It also means that I am willing to change my views when presented with new
facts and evidence. Having an open mind helps me to look at more than one
way to approach a problem; then find a verity of ways of solving it. When I give
myself more options and bettersolutions. Ultimately, having an open mind
helps me expand my horizons and be more diverse.
 Ownership: When I arrive at work I want the work I do to be something to be
proud of. The jobs I take on do help my career, but it also helps Universal
succeed in their mission. Every day I go above and beyond and really take
ownership of every job I do. I want to inspire and motivate my Team Members
to action be leading by example.
AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT
Although I have worked very hard to improve myself to be an effective, and efficient
Team Leader I have areas that need to be improved. The following are areas of
improvement:
 Delegating: Although taking Ownership of my area is a strength it is also a
weakness. I take great pride in ensuring that my area is the best it can be. In
turn I often do many tasks that should be done by my Team Members. The old
adage “if you want something done right do it yourself” describes me very well.
This approach has had the unintended consequence ofholding my Team
Members from developing skills and more important confidence in their work. I
need to step back and allow them to spread their wings and showwhat they can
do.
 Supporting the Management Team: Taking on a great deal of responsibility
on my shoulders limits my time that I can spend with my Team during my shift.
As a consequence I give the impression that the supervisors have a lot of
demands on us and create a stressfulwork environment. In addition I don’t
spend enough time explaining what is going on in the big picture of the
Department. As a leader I need to ensure that I do a betterjob of explaining the
reasons for decisions that are made at every level so the Team can better
understand howeach part of the machine fits togetherto make a fine tune engine
of success.

4. 3
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS/WORK HISTORY
The following section will highlight not only a 10 year work history but also key
professional skills that have shaped me into the ideal candidate for DLT.
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE SECURITY FORCES
Having proudly enlisted into the United States Air Force after High School I was
motivated to serve my country in the wake of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks. I was wide eyed
and patriotic when the first time I put on the Uniform of an American Airman. When I
left the service I had been transformed into a more mature, and confident young adult. In
my time I learned the following:
 Loyalty
 Leadership ability
 Respect, integrity
 Duty
 Reliability
 Working as team members

5. 4
ALLIED BARTON SECURITY SERVICES SECURITY GUARD
After I left the Air Force I found a profession close to the structure that I was use to when
I was serving. As a Security Guard it was my job to maintain the security and safety of
people and property in assigned area by patrolling areas on foot and enforcing rules and
regulations. After two years of serving as a Guard and Lead I learned the following
skills:
 Knowledge of basic security and fire inspection procedures.
 Skill in both verbal and written communication.
 Skill in observing situations and decision making.
 Skill in dealing courteously with public.

6. 5
ALLIEDBARTON SECURITY OPERATIONS MANAGER/TRANIER
After working 2 years as a Security Officer the District Manager of Buffalo saw fit to
permute me to the newly created position of Operations Manager and District Trainer. I
would serve in this position for 3 years. During my time in this positon I learned the
following skills:
 Manage staff, preparing work schedules and assigning specific duties
 Monitor businesses and agencies to ensure that they efficiently and effectively
provide needed services while staying within budgetary limits.
 Ordering, tracking, and issuing Uniforms to officers in the district
 Maintaining personnelfiles
 Ordering Supplies for the office
 Training New and Current Security Officers in the district as per NYS Security
rules and regulations.

7. 6
AMERICAN RED CROSS CPR/AED FIRST AID INSTRUCTOR:
As part of my position with AlliedBarton Security I was required to be certified as an
American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid Instructor. As an instructorI learned the
following skill sets:
 Speak in a clear manner in order to ensure understanding from those attending
the class.
 Possess good communications skills: verbal and written
 Have a good comprehension/knowledge of American Red Cross CPR/AED and
First Aid curriculum
 Manages all equipment and inventory in my possession.This may include
transporting,unloading and set-up the necessary materials and supplies needed
to teach classes and return the materials to the prescribed location. At conclusion
of class, I am responsible for the cleaning and any maintenance of the
equipment.
 Responsible for applying quality assurance and control programs. Integrates
quality improvement activities and measures in overall service provision. Ensure
that the proper safety measures are in place to protect customers and staff who
participate in the training activities.

8. 7
IOA PARK SERVICE NIGHTS ATTENDENT:
After leaving my position with AlliedBarton due to a rising cost of living in Buffalo NY
and lack of advancement opportunity I moved to Orange City Florida. Once I arrived I
looked for a company that would offer me the opportunity to grow in professional career
and advancement opportunity. I started working for Universal Orlando Park Service
Nights on March 15, 2010. While on night I completed the following:
 Performing job duties of Park Attendant.Maintaining park quality standards by
thoroughly performing all cleaning duties.
 Performing other duties as assigned.
 Understanding and actively participating in Environmental, Health & Safety
responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures,training and
team member involvement activities
 Restaurant Cleaner
 Attraction Cleaner
 High Reach Operator
 Hoser
 Operator
 Spotter
 Ride Vehicle Detailer
 Baler Operator
 Trainer
 Warehouse,Utility, Shops,and Floors Specialist

9. 8
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS PARK SERVICE ATTENDENT:
After working two years on Night I decided to return to college to pursue a degree in the
Medical Field. Due to the school schedule I would have to follow working at night
would not be possible for my success in my studies. With the help of former Supervisor
Ilsen Fontes I applied and was allowed to transfer to USF Park Service Days. While on
days I completed the following:
 Performing job duties of Park Attendant.Maintaining park quality standards by
thoroughly performing all cleaning duties.
 Performing other duties as assigned.
 Understanding and actively participating in Environmental, Health & Safety
responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures,training and
team member involvement activities
 Male Restroom Attendant
 Detailer
 RTC
 Billy Goat Operator
 Trainer
 Baler Operator

10. 9
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO PARK SERVICE LEAD:
After working on days for about a year I was asked by then supervisors Lisa and Ilsen to
apply for a Relief Lead position. Later I was encourage by the current management team
to apply for a Status Lead position. As both a Relief and Status Lead I provide work
direction to Park Attendants and ensure efficient completion of department tasks by
performing the following duties.
 Directing employee's workflow, setting leadership standards,and guiding work
locations efficiency.
 Communicating performance and behavior standards and expectations; counsels
and coaches to improvement.
 Assisting supervision with creating and maintaining schedules,including breaks
and lunch periods.
 Monitoring timeliness of employees and maintains appropriate records.
 Assisting with training new and current employees.
 Observing and directing staff member's compliance with wardrobe and
grooming standards.
 I also earned respect of my fellow Team Members during my time as a Relief
Lead by making the transition from Lead to attendant and back again without
compromising my responsibilities as a Lead. I earned of reputation of being fair
with all Team Members I worked with.

11. 10
ACCOMPLISHMNETS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO:
In the almost 5 years I have been a member of this department I have been very proud of
everything I was able to accomplish. I have been recognized by the company for my
efforts and created a number of things to help the company be recognized as the number
one tourist destination in the world. Here are a list of all I have created or been
recognized for:
 Park Services Night Team Member of the Month September 2011
 4 years of Perfect attendance (Club 16 Member)
 Wrote a Hogworts Castle Cleaning SOP Manual for Harry Potter Supervisor
Ilsen Fontes
 Created a San Francisco Area Team Member Recognition Award for than
Supervisor Allie (Break Out Award)
 Created Team Member Guest Service Incentive during Holiday Peek in 2014
(Springfield Photo Challenge)
 Created Guest Service Program for Springfield Area. (Hey Did you Know?)
 World Expo Team Member Guest Services Ambassador
 Currently working on creating a new Department aimed at creating world class
Team Members called the Team Member Welfare Department.

12. 11
EDUCATION:
Since 2005 I have earned not one but two Associate Degrees from Universities in both
New York and here in Florida. The following will highlight not only my educational
accomplishments but the skills acquired that make me a great candidate for DLT.
EIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE:
In June 2005 I earned my first degree from Erie Community College in the field of
Criminal Justice/Police with a GPA of 3.7 out of 4.0. As part of the curriculum I learned
the following skills:
 Demonstrate an understanding of the criminal justice vocabulary;
 Demonstrate an understanding of the philosophical and historical background in
the three parts of criminal justice: law enforcement, courts and corrections;
 Demonstrate an understanding of the theories and causes ofcrime: economic,
sociological and psychological;
 Demonstrate a working knowledge of the New York State Penal Code and the
Criminal Procedure Law; and
 Obtain these competencies as outlined by the college’s Social Science Department.
 Attention to Detail
 Powers of Observation
 Critical Thinking
 Good Communication
 Memory
 Research

13. 12
ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES:
In September 2012 I was accepted in into the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at
Adventists University. According to National Center of Education Statistics is listed as
the most selective University in the state of Florida. The college only accepts 13% of
applicants who apply to this university. In addition the program I completed only accepts
24 out of over 200 applicants that applied in 2012. I graduated Cum Laude in August
2014. While in the Program I learned the following skills:
 Visually observe and assess a patient,discriminate color and depth,read and
accurately complete reports, and visualize diagnostic/monitoring equipment in
dimmed light.
 Auditorily monitor and assess patient health needs,monitor various equipment
and background sounds,and communicate by telephone.
 Verbally communicate in a clear and concise manner.
 Communicate sufficiently to interact with others in appropriate professional
verbal and written form.
 Read and interpret relevant medical data from patient charts, reports,and orders.
 Safely lift and transfer patients to accomplish bed/chair/stretchertransferwith
assistance orassistive devices.
 Safely push a gurney or wheelchair.
 Stand or sit for an extended period of time.
 Demonstrate sufficient manual dexterity necessary to perform activities specific
to this program.
 Possess sufficient critical thinking skills to think clearly and act professionally,
safely, and accurately in stressfulsituations.
 Professionally interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of
social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds

14. 13
CONCLUSION:
Park Services is a department with a number of qualified, intelligent, skilled, and creative
Team Members. Any of which would make a great representative for Park Services in
the upcoming DLT course. However I know that I am the right candidate to be sent
through this course. In the course of my 4 years with Universal I have sought out and
complete all opportunities available to a Park Service Team Member. I sought out these
challenges because of a trait that sets be a part from my fellow candidates not only in
Park Service but a part from the otherdepartments as well. I have an unrelenting
curiosity to learn new things. From the time I was young to today I have always been a
curious person. As such I am:
 Open minded, objective and optimistic yet balanced with doubt and scepticism,
they resist leaping to assumptions and are betterable to think for themselves
 Persistent and resilient, more tolerant of ambiguity and uncertainty (less
stressed)
 Adaptable and humble (I recognize learning can only come from accepting they
don’t already know)
 Intrinsically interested in people, I ask genuine questions,listen sincerely for
understanding and,as a consequence,develop strong relationships
 Actively seeking and exploring novel situations - excellent learners who are
more likely to look for patterns,persist with challenges and derive joy from
learning for learning’s sake
 Aware, with their senses alert they notice details and opportunities. They have
active minds and dispositions and seekto understand themselves
 Creative and innovative they embrace problems as puzzles to solve and have an
entrepreneurial spirit
 Inquisitive, engaged and naturally adept at questioning they focus on getting to
the root cause of issues
 Enthusiastic in taking up change they take initiative to explore and understand
their world
It is this trait above all others that make me an ideal candidate. I may not be perfect but I
am open and willing to work hard to be the best person to go through this wonderful
program. Thank you for your consideration.