PART 5: THE CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY STORY (STAR FORMAT)

Question 1

What format are you using to tell the California construction company story?

Answer 1

The STAR format: Situation, Task, Action, Result

Question 2

Describe the California construction company situation (Hint: 3 points)

Answer 2

– Traveled to California to provide retirement and benefits planning for a construction company
– Company had 300 employees across seven locations
– Management failed to inform employees about your visit or purpose

Question 3

Describe the California construction company task (Hint: 4 points)

Answer 3

– Build trust with skeptical employees unfamiliar with financial services
– Educate employees on available benefits (many earning under $50,000)
– Increase participation in healthcare and 401(k) programs
– Accomplish this across multiple locations in limited time

Question 4

Describe the California construction company action (Hint: 5 points)

Answer 4

– Created simple, jargon-free educational materials explaining concrete value of benefits
– Scheduled one-on-one sessions with employees across all locations
– Adapted communication style to connect with construction workers with limited financial literacy
– Developed location-specific financial planning strategies addressing unique concerns
– Stayed on-site for two months to ensure comprehensive coverage

Question 5

Describe the California construction company result (Hint: 5 points)

Answer 5

– Achieved significant increase in 401(k) participation
– Substantially increased healthcare enrollment
– Established enough trust that employees began referring coworkers from other shifts
– Demonstrated ability to build financial relationships with diverse clients
– Showed capacity to translate complex concepts into accessible terms