6 minute read
A BRIEF CASE
How should I address hot-button topics in the workplace?
Roy Dietsch Chief executive officer PartsBadger
“We find that separating today’s divisive climate with our company culture is more important than ever. When addressing hot-button issues, the most successful strategy we’ve found is to keep conversations focused on facts surrounding current issues and highlight how issues directly impact our business and the team. Focusing on specific facts which impact the business and an action item relating to those effects will keep the conversation productive. Keeping the focus on the team reinforces unity while also steering clear of generalizations that can be divisive.
“We believe a strong culture of inclusion and unity is also imperative and we find the tone needs to be set from the top. Management training is a great opportunity to express the importance of the team culture to managers with ‘relatedness’ as one of the pillars of motivation. It’s critical that every employee feels safe, secure and part of the team. We found internal marketing to be a great tool in reinforcing this, which is even more important when employees are working from home. We use themes like, ‘We Built This’ (2019) and ‘All Systems Go’ (2021) to help frame our team goals for the year.
“Another tip: A great resource we use is the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), which offers a wealth of information regarding issues our business faces.” Kimberly Kane President and chief executive officer Kane Communications Group
“The past year certainly provided us with a number of hot-button issues. How businesses respond to those issues can have a big impact on a company’s reputation. Increasingly, people want to see CEOs take a stand on social issues. Determining how to address those issues with employees is also a factor in your company’s reputation. Employees want to know where their leaders stand. You have to decide what’s best for your personal brand and your company’s brand.
“One of the most important things you can do as a leader is to listen. If something significant is going on in the world, don’t be afraid to have conversations with your team. In fact, I encourage it. Find out how they are doing, processing or coping with the issue. If it’s a topic that has divided your team, encourage respectful discussion, with a focus on listening to both sides. Remind your team that people are allowed to have different opinions. Empathy goes a long way with both internal and external audiences. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes so you can see and understand their perspective.” Susan Fronk President and chief executive officer MRA
“We’ve all learned a lot in the past year as a result of COVID, and one key has been the need for empathy and connection, demonstrated in new ways. Business needs must be met, yes, but showing kindness and understanding especially during difficult times is essential. Critical business decisions require us to sometimes take a step back and think: » Am I being authentic? Sincerity and transparency can’t be faked. » Am I being proactive – operating in the moment, but looking forward as well? Balancing the ‘now’ and ‘tomorrow’ is important. » Perfection slows you down; people want genuine, timely information. Communicating much more often in a less-than-perfect way is far better than waiting for the perfect time – that almost never happens. » Video or podcasts are a great way to help keep employees informed. Staff appreciate seeing and hearing you, not just getting ‘one more email.’ » Tell it to them straight so they can trust and count on what you say. » Listening sessions make you available for those individuals who need or want more, need reassurance. No prep necessary – just show up and connect, share generously. » Always express gratitude – every day in every way you can.” n
BIZ PEOPLE Advertising Section: New Hires, Promotions, Accolades and Board Appointments
CONSTRUCTION
Josh Pearson Promoted to Vice President of Preconstruction and Estimating. Josh has been with JP Cullen for over 15 years playing an important role in estimating and project management. During his time at JP Cullen he has demonstrated excellent leadership skills. We are very excited for the impact Josh will deliver.
CONSTRUCTION
Aaron Strader to Head Estimating for JP Cullen Healthcare Division
Aaron has made a huge impact in building and leading JP Cullen’s estimating department for our Milwaukee Division over the last four years. During this time, he has developed into one of our experts in healthcare construction.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Al Araque Joins Johnson Financial Group Johnson Financial Group announces Al Araque as SVP, Director of Consumer and Private Banking. With over 22 years of strategic leadership experience in banking, he has a proven track record of helping clients realize their financial goals.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
PARADIGM Real Estate Corp. Welcomes Jim Johnson to its Team
Johnson joins PARADIGM in providing brokerage and consulting services to owners and tenants of industrial and commercial properties in Wisconsin. Prior to his role with PARADIGM, Johnson spent 10 years in property management and over two decades in the construction wholesale industry. His extensive background in construction, wholesale and property management allows Johnson to identify the specific needs of clients in commercial, industrial and warehouse/distribution transactions. He is a native of Mequon, WI and a graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Admin.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Pat Hickey Joins Johnson Financial Group Johnson Financial Group announces Pat Hickey as SVP, Director of Wealth Services. With over 30 years of broad financial experience, he is focused on the servicing of longterm client relationships through the integration of complex lines of business.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Grace Matthews promotes Andrew Cardona to Director
Grace Matthews, Inc. announces the promotion of Andrew Cardona to Director. Andrew joined Grace Matthews in 2013 and leads sellside and buy-side transactions in the chemical sector, including complex carve-out transactions and leveraged deals. Andrew, a UW-Madison graduate, worked on distressed and international debt at Prudential prior to joining Grace Matthews. Andrew will continue to lead Grace Matthews’ analyst recruiting and training programs.
HEALTHCARE
Flight for Life Announces New Executive Director
Leif Erickson will be the next executive director of Flight For Life. Erickson brings a strong business acumen and understanding of EMS to his new role, having served as FFL’s Director of Operations, Education Coordinator and as a Flight Paramedic.
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FINANCIAL SERVICES
Grace Matthews promotes Eric Sabelhaus to Director
Grace Matthews, Inc. announces the promotion of Eric Sabelhaus to Director. Eric joined Grace Matthews in 2016 and leads buy-side, sell-side and equity transactions in the chemicals and materials sector. Prior to joining Grace Matthews, Eric held professional roles at General Electric and Baird. Eric’s positive and outgoing personality combined with his mechanical engineering and finance education is an enviable combination.
MUSIC PUBLISHING
Hal Leonard Names Ben Culli Vice President, Editorial & Production
Hal Leonard has named Ben Culli Vice President, Editorial & Production. In this new role, Culli will oversee workflow and procedures between the company’s editorial, engraving, production, and other departments and domestic and European offices.
