Sandra Foster: Kindness doesn’t cost a cent

Sandra Foster, a team lead supporting the Human Resources Directorate, is an exceptional collaborator with a courteous attitude. Born and raised in Portsmouth, Va., Foster developed a compassionate heart and strong desire to help people. She enjoys mentoring youth at her local church and spending time with her family. She answered nine questions about her career and life.

What are you passionate about in your life?
I love spending time with my family. Life is short. I don't want to lose a family member and say, “I wish I would have.” I want to say, “I did.”

What has been the key to your career success?
I am married to a former Signal officer. When he served, we moved nine times. I learned to be adaptable. But wherever I work, one thing never changes: my values. I stay true to who I am and remember who I belong to. I try to do everything with compassion and love because that's what I stand for.

When I am put in a tough situation, I think positively. I love rainbows, but I have never seen a rainbow without a storm. In life, you have to go through a lot of thunder, lightning and rain before you get to the rainbow.   

What is the best advice you received?
Don’t take anything personally because you may take it out of context.

What does PEO EIS value?
I truly believe that first impressions are everything. During the onboarding process, I want new employees to see that PEO EIS stands for integrity and respect. In order to gain respect, you have to give it.

PEO EIS is a place where people care about each other. When employees know you care, they are more likely to stick with you. Our mission is important. Whether you are an NH2 or SES, everything we do supports Soldiers on the battlefield. It is a privilege to serve them.

What advice would you give a young person just starting their career?
The first thing you need to do is make sure that your resume is up to par. You have to decide if your path is going to be about money or learning. I'd rather work for two months for free to learn something that's going to allow me to make more money in the future. Everything is not “quick quick.”

You have to be able to fit in, learn and listen. I always tell my daughter: “There's a reason we were born with two ears and one mouth.” God wants us to listen more and speak less.

Be very cautious with your words. Sometimes it’s not about what you say but how you say it.

What motivates you at work?
I want to help people. Everyone has a talent and a purpose. I believe my purpose on this earth is to help others. It also makes my job a lot easier when people know that I care. It doesn’t cost a cent to be kind.

Who inspires you?
My mother inspires me. She became a single parent and survived cancer. I have never heard her raise her voice. Despite facing tough times, she keeps moving forward.

Describe your leadership style.
Everything I do is a team effort. I provide detailed instructions to my team, but know I am a fast talker. I never assume. I invite my team to ask for clarification. My door is always open to questions and never closes until the mission is accomplished. There are no dumb questions. I will respect you more if you ask for clarity.

If you had to thank one person in your life, who would it be and why?
My husband, Kevin, is my rock. He lifts me up and keeps me grounded. Sometimes in the office you may take something the wrong way. I will bounce it off him. Pillow talk is good talk. He inspires me to do better. I inspire him to do better. And together, life is good. If I tell him, “I think I can,” he says, “I know you can.”