ASSOCIATIONS (Past & Present)

Field Operations Member | STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE - Brisbane Unit, North Eastern Group. (Jan 2014 - )
Individual Member | Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA)
Full Member | Valley Chamber of Commerce. Queensland.
AGDA Member (#06260) | Australian Graphic Design Association
ACS Member (#2061555) | Australian Computer Society
Professional Member | Country Music Association of Australia
APESMA Member (#678460) | Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia
Diploma of Information Technology (Multimedia Integration) | Centre for IT Training, Ithaca.- Brisbane Institute of TAFE
Certified Publisher | Centrelink Internet Innovations Team.
Registered Site Builder | Microsoft Site Builder Network.
Bachelor of Computer Science (Electrical Engineering) (deferred) | James Cook University. Townsville.
Broadcast Media | DK Radio Academy. Hobart (1996)
Certificate Business Studies | Hobart Business College (1993)
Digital Audio Certificate | ABC Radio Hobart (1992)
Broadcast Media - Better Copywriting | AFTRS. Hobart (1988)
Announcing School | Radio 3SA. Melbourne (1982)
Diploma of Music | Yamaha School of Music. Melbourne (1975)

SELF ANALYSIS (Survey completed on the 6th of April 2015, Sophie Ingersson, NERIS Analytics Limited)

PERSONALITY TRAIGHT - ESTJ Personality "The Executive"

ESTJs are representatives of tradition and order, utilizing their understanding of what is right, wrong and socially acceptable to bring families and communities together. Embracing the values of honesty, dedication and dignity, people with the ESTJ personality type are valued for their clear advice and guidance, and they happily lead the way on difficult paths. Taking pride in bringing people together, ESTJs often take on roles as community organizers, working hard to bring everyone together in celebration of cherished local events, or in defense of the traditional values that hold families and communities together.

Demand for such leadership is high in democratic societies, and forming no less than 11% of the population, it's no wonder that many of America's presidents have been ESTJs. Strong believers in the rule of law and authority that must be earned, ESTJ personalities lead by example, demonstrating dedication and purposeful honesty, and an utter rejection of laziness and cheating, especially in work. If anyone declares hard, manual work to be an excellent way to build character, it is ESTJs.

ESTJs are aware of their surroundings and live in a world of clear, verifiable facts - the surety of their knowledge means that even against heavy resistance, they stick to their principles and push an unclouded vision of what is and is not acceptable. Their opinions aren't just empty talk either, as ESTJs are more than willing to dive into the most challenging projects, improving action plans and sorting details along the way, making even the most complicated tasks seem easy and approachable.

However, ESTJs don't work alone, and they expect their reliability and work ethic to be reciprocated - people with this personality type meet their promises, and if partners or subordinates jeopardize them through incompetence or laziness, or worse still, dishonesty, they do not hesitate to show their wrath. This can earn them a reputation for inflexibility, a trait shared by all Sentinels (SJ), but it's not because ESTJs are arbitrarily stubborn, but because they truly believe that these values are what make society work.

ESTJs are classic images of the model citizen: they help their neighbors, uphold the law, and try to make sure that everyone participates in the communities and organizations they hold so dear.
The main challenge for ESTJs is to recognize that not everyone follows the same path or contributes in the same way. A true leader recognizes the strength of the individual, as well as that of the group, and helps bring those individuals' ideas to the table. That way, ESTJs really do have all the facts, and are able to lead the charge in directions that work for everyone.

STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

ESTJ STRENGTHS:

Dedicated - Seeing things to completion borders on an ethical obligation for ESTJs. Tasks aren't simply abandoned because they've become difficult or boring - people with the ESTJ personality type take them up when they are the right thing to do, and they will be finished so long as they remain the right thing to do.

Strong-willed - A strong will makes this dedication possible, and ESTJs don't give up their beliefs because of simple opposition. ESTJs defend their ideas and principles relentlessly, and must be proven clearly and conclusively wrong for their stance to budge.

Direct and Honest - ESTJs trust facts far more than abstract ideas or opinions. Straightforward statements and information are king, and ESTJ personalities return the honesty (whether it's wanted or not).

Loyal, Patient and Reliable - ESTJs work to exemplify truthfulness and reliability, considering stability and security very important. When ESTJs say they'll do something, they keep their word, making them very responsible members of their families, companies and communities.

Enjoy Creating Order - Chaos makes things unpredictable, and unpredictable things can't be trusted when they are needed most - with this in mind, ESTJs strive to create order and security in their environments by establishing rules, structures and clear roles.

Excellent Organizers - This commitment to truth and clear standards makes ESTJs capable and confident leaders. People with this personality type have no problem distributing tasks and responsibilities to others fairly and objectively, making them excellent administrators.


ESTJ WEAKNESSES:

Inflexible and Stubborn - The problem with being so fixated on what works is that ESTJs too often dismiss what might work better. Everything is opinion until proven, and ESTJ personalities are reluctant to trust an opinion long enough for it to have that chance.

Uncomfortable with Unconventional Situations - ESTJs are strong adherents to tradition and when suddenly forced to try unvetted solutions, they become uncomfortable and stressed. New ideas suggest that their methods weren't good enough, and abandoning what has always worked before in favor of something that may yet fail risks their image of reliability.

Judgmental - ESTJs have strong convictions about what is right, wrong, and socially acceptable. ESTJs' compulsion to create order often extends to all things and everyone, ignoring the possibility that there are two right ways to get things done. ESTJs do not hesitate to let these "deviants" know what they think, considering it their duty to set things right.

Too Focused on Social Status - ESTJs take pride in the respect of their friends, colleagues and community and while difficult to admit, are very concerned with public opinion. ESTJs (especially Turbulent ones) can get so caught up in meeting others' expectations that they fail to address their own needs.

Difficult to Relax - This need for respect fosters a need to maintain their dignity, which can make it difficult to cut loose and relax for risk of looking the fool, even in good fun.

Difficulty Expressing Emotion - This is all evidence of ESTJs' greatest weakness: expressing emotions and feeling empathy. People with the ESTJ personality type get so caught up in the facts and most effective methods that they forget to think of what makes others happy, or of their sensitivity. A detour can be breathtakingly beautiful, a joy for the family, but ESTJs may only see the consequence of arriving at their destination an hour late, hurting their loved ones by rejecting the notion too harshly.

ESTJ CAREERS:

ESTJs' career paths are often as clear and straightforward as they are themselves. Though there are many directions they can choose to go, people with the ESTJ personality type almost always end up in situations where they have the opportunity to exercise their affinity for organization, structure, and follow-through. Providing further focus, ESTJs share a profound respect for tradition, stability and security, qualities which lend themselves well to progressing along clear paths to increased responsibility and dependability.

ESTJs' sense of loyalty results in them staying with a single employer as long as possible, and their reverence for established institutions often leads to work with well-respected organizations. Law enforcement, military service, hospitals and prominent legal firms are all able to recognize ESTJs' long years of service.

ESTJ personalities rise to the occasion and meet their obligations with enviable consistency, making them clear choices for advancement.

ESTJs are the image of the model citizen, and they strive to maintain this ideal throughout their careers. This helps them move forward into management as well - people with this personality type have many traits inherent to leadership, something that is often recognized regardless of their chosen industry. From the genuine enjoyment ESTJs feel in organizing other people to their knack for clearly expressing their principles, values and expectations, ESTJs are extremely effective managers.

Also fearsome leaders, ESTJs loathe disorganization, ineptitude, laziness and especially dishonesty, and when these values are crossed, ESTJ personalities do not hesitate to let their disapproval show. So long as everyone plays by the rules, ESTJs are incredibly efficient, their love of structure and thoroughness leaving a record of accurate, complete work that is on time and on budget. ESTJs are natural auditors, financial officers and business administrators, and any such and similar roles are excellent choices for them.

Hard work and self-motivation are also strong ESTJ principles, which makes them excellent sales representatives, whether in basic retail positions, part of office teams, or as independent agents. People with the ESTJ personality type stick to projects until they're finished, big or small, and are organized enough to make any necessary paperwork a mere minor inconvenience to their clients, rather than some baffling ordeal. These qualities combine to make the clear steps in advancement that ESTJs require in order to maintain a sense of accomplishment not just viable, but almost inevitable.

ESTJ IN THE WORKPLACE

ESTJs show clear and consistent tendencies, and these are especially visible in the workplace. Whether subordinates, among colleagues or as managers, people with the ESTJ personality type create order, follow the rules, and work to ensure that their work and the work of those around them is completed to the highest standards. Cutting corners and shirking responsibility are the quickest ways to lose ESTJs' respect.

SUBORDINATES - ESTJs are hard-working and do things by the book. Though sometimes stubborn and inflexible, especially when presented with ideas that haven't been fully developed, ESTJ personalities are open to new methods that can be demonstrated to be better. However ESTJs are unlikely to do much experimenting on their own - adhering to stated responsibilities and fulfilling their duties is their primary concern.

ESTJs are also well-known for their loyalty and dedication, but in some ways this is contingent on their respect. People with this personality type are willing to voice their opinions, especially in deciding what is and is not acceptable - if provided with sensible responses that address their concerns, they are often satisfied with that. If ESTJs view their managers as illogical, dishonest or cowardly in their methods, they can be uncomfortably honest, if still calm and level, in voicing their opinions on that as well.

COLLEAGUES - ESTJs enjoy the hustle and bustle of well-organized workplaces. Honest, friendly and down-to-earth, ESTJ personalities are great networkers who enjoy connecting with others to get things done. Abusing this for advancement is unlikely, and is in fact something ESTJs frown upon. Shortcuts are irresponsible, and people with the ESTJ personality type lose respect quickly for those who try to push forward by showing off or promoting bold but risky ideas, making relationships with more inspiration-oriented colleagues a challenge.

ESTJs like to feel like they are a part of the team, and a part of the greater organization that they work for. To make sure this happens, ESTJs are nearly always willing to accept criticism that can help to improve their effectiveness, and always keep an eye on their surroundings to make sure they and their team deliver the results that are expected of them.

MANAGERS - ESTJs take genuine pleasure in organizing others into effective teams, and as managers they have no better opportunity to do so. While sometimes overbearing, even micromanaging, ESTJs' strong wills also serve to defend their teams and principles against diversions and cutbacks, regardless of who brings them. Laziness and bad work ethic are not tolerated by ESTJs under any circumstances.

ESTJs project natural authority, but they sometimes expect this authority to be abided unconditionally, resisting change and demanding that things be done by the book. Whether ESTJs' own book or the existing rules and traditions are used is subject to circumstances, but they do tend to rest on the security of tradition and precedent. Regardless, ESTJs' expectations are clearly expressed, leaving little room or tolerance for deviation from the agenda.

... I find self assesment leads to greater understanding and leads professional development. Now go back in time with me and see the results of a profiling I did in 1998. Interesting to see there is not a great deal of change.

The following information was collated from B.R. Garrison Software Group’s Plus-32 Profile ©1998 , Employment Testing System.™ and the Plus-32 IQ Test ™. This report was compiled and printed by B.R. Garrison Software at the request of Steve Roberts. Steve is very good with people. Good at persuading others to see their way. Creative and colourful, Steve will do well to work in a busy, public place. Sincere sometimes child like, he has a great deal of energy. Very outgoing, optimistic and has a good memory for colour. Emotional, charming and curious. Steve will be the first to volunteer for work. He will make friends easily. Loves excitement, travel and fun. He will be calm in most situations and usually collected. Patient and compassionate. He will provide stability and balance to the workplace. Steve does not have great expectations. He is a steady worker. Disciplined, discreet and consistent. Steve has many friends and is a good listener. He will avoid conflicts. A good all around type employee.

NOTES FROM INTERVIEW WITH CENTRELINK AREA CNQ SELECTION COMMITTEE 1998

Steve Roberts, Area Webmaster. Centrelink Band 3 (ASO5).
Property & IT Services. Area Support Office. Area Central & Northern Queensland - Area Brisbane.
Duties included leading a team of 24 intranet developers; Maintenance and development of Area CNQ & Area Brisbane websites; Designing graphics and layouts for teams; National Flash & Shockwave developer and advisor; Area CNQ Mapstat Administrator - National Office Database; LAN Support (Level 1-2), WinNT, Unix, NES, JavaScript, HTML, XML; Area IT Trainer – HTML, Email useage, Internet past and present & IT Skills; Design and supervision of Executive Multimedia Conference Room; Promotion of Intranet and Internet development.

Customer Service - Mr Roberts focused on his leadership role within the extended workgroup. He is able to provide guidance, support and resolve difficulties experienced by other website developers/technicians. He acknowledges the work of others and provides encouragement by recognition of individual effort and excellence. He is aware of the importance of the responsiveness to newly identified needs in conjunction with the on-going maintenance of existing websites. Mr Roberts defined customer service as being within a national umbrella balancing national guidelines with local information. He demonstrated a keen awareness of the importance of communicating clear and relevant information to customers. He highlighted the importance of focussing on rural and remote communities within Brisbane and CNQ by addressing life issues and using appropriate graphics, text etc. He clearly understood the importance of customer interaction and responding to customer needs.

Business Acumen - Mr Roberts identified the necessity for teams and individuals to have access to information through technology to enable them to deliver effective services and outcomes. He also has developed networks to assist in cross communication to identify efficiencies and best practices. Mr Roberts spoke of a "web of communication" as being a means of facilitating information dissemination internally. He stated the requirement to target specific issues at both local and national levels, and highlighted the increasing use of e-mail and both internet and intranet as a means of communication of Centrelinks strategic directions. Mr Roberts encourages cultural change by raising IT awareness and knowledge levels within the organization. He encourages team performance and innovation through the cross-fertilization of ideas.

Shared Behaviours - Mr Roberts demonstrated a very clear and unambiguous understanding of the importance of Centrelink's Shared Behaviours. The committee was impressed with his self assessment abilities and his preparedness to address his perceived shortcomings. Mr Roberts gave specific examples of demonstrated initiatives e.g. cost savings as a direct result of his ability to provide IT training which would previously have required the use of external training providers. The creation of the Multimedia venue was another example of a cost effective which has much wider implications for Area CNQ. Mr Roberts has proposed to National Support Office the concept of a Rural Portal through the Internet to facilitate access for local external customers. He has also been negotiating for more local content on the Internet which would further enhance the practicality of the Rural Portal concept. Mr Roberts impressed the committee with his statement that shared behaviours were applicable everywhere and a basic business principle. He stated the principle of listening respecting others opinions, and modifying suggestions which fall outside guidelines can result in the development of workable solutions.

| Graeme McCourt - Manager, Property & IT Services
| Barbara Hospers - Manager, Human Resource Advisory Team
| Trudy Tilbury - OH & S Advisor, Human Resource Advisory Team

WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID

"Steve has displayed a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for his work and has dealt with all work situations with untiring enemy. He is a person with great initiave and someone who will not hesitate to take responsibility upon his shoulders. Steve's keen sense of humour makes him a pleasure to work with. Steve [is] not only a reliable on-air talent, but also a person who has a great deal to add to the station through his own ideas."
| Leisl Hillhouse, Children's Television Association

"Steve is an enthusiastic worker who goes about his duties in a professional and pleasant manner ... he often volunteered his services outside the technical area when an extra hand was required."
| Carolyn Betts, ABC Radio

"He possesses a strong self-motivation and a keen interest to learn new skills. Steve has been the pivot with our new computers and administration initiatives and has introduced many new technical innovations into the station, always displaying sound organizational skills and commitment to whatever task is in front of him."
| Peter Hunt, Australian Airlines

"Steve is a creative person with a dedication to radio broadcasting with knowledge of Writing, production and announcing ... I have found at all times, one hundred percent enthusiasm and co-operation has been given to all projects under-taken. Steve has a keen sense of humour and most importantly is trustworthy and reliable."
| David Goldstone, Radio 7HO

"Steve has shown an eager approach to everything he does. He has ... [provided] listeners with a well produced, informative, exciting and very humorous breakfast program with a good following. [He is] a trustworthy, willing and dependable employee ... [with] a very high standard for everything with which he is involved. The only worry I have at writing this reference is the fear that we at 92-FM might lose him and the fruits of his efforts."
| Kenneth Stoke, 92-FM

HOW I GOT HERE