“THE CORPORATE ALPACA ICE CREAM LADY” – SECRETS TO MEANINGFUL LEADERSHIP

by Kathy Kasten

How do we make an impact on others in our daily lives as leaders?

Do we have to be in a certain position or have a certain title to bring people together in a meaningful way?

I was wearing a yellow apron and standing on the back side of the chocolate counter in our ice cream parlor Our business was thriving in a beautiful, busy little tourist town We had a great staff of team members We had loyal customers We had quality products. And we had the trust of local community leaders who would often stop by to visit.

One day as I was listening intently and conversing with a leader, it dawned on me that this community needed a place where leaders could come together to share resources, needs, ideas… What they couldn’t do alone, they could do together as a team.. While the “ice cream lady” was probably a funny choice to lead it, I saw a need and jumped in to fill it

The Leadership Summit was born I invited executive directors and staff from local non-profits, local government leaders, education leaders, and business owners to gather.

20-year-old Marianne Teigen recently published her first young adult novel, and in only a month, it has reached the New York Times Bestsellers list.

Over a 2-year period we discussed dreams, ideas, goals and strategies to move the town forward for the future

We did community clean-up projects. We brought in a nationally recognized expert for input. I helped the community get a large grant for 24 community leaders to get a week of leadership training

For me, it’s not about the occupation, but the heart behind the occupation. Wherever we are and whatever we do, we can deeply care for others and work to serve them every day My faith is central to this view. I want to share the love I have received from Christ with others I want to care for them through His eyes

I am also passionate about helping others build relationships. I have seen the powerful impact and transformation that can take place when we learn to reach others where they are and help them feel valued and cared for

The ice cream parlor was a tool It was a connection point

What occupation do you have and how can you use that connection point to serve others?

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Learning To

As I have coached and trained executives, business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, and teams, I have been blessed to watch people reach new levels in their businesses and relationships I work with clients from around the world to help them understand their personalities and how their personality traits drive their behavior A second critical learning step is to understand the personalities of others, look for ways to find common ground, and work toward an appreciation of everyone’s unique gifts. The result? Deeper connections. Less conflict Stronger teams More joy Better results Doesn’t that sound nice in a world that can feel so challenging? How well do you understand who you are and why you act and behave the way you do? Are you open to truly understanding and appreciating someone else?

LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT ASKING OURSELVES EVERY DAY “HOW CAN I GROW AND USE MY GIFTS AND HELP OTHERS GROW THEIRS?”

Our personalities, in part, include our gifts, strengths, interests, and abilities. To grow the best parts of ourselves, we need to clarify who we are and what we bring to others We can seek to learn from other leaders who can help us grow through mentoring, coaching, modeling, and constructive feedback

We are each a unique masterpiece. Our goal should not be to be like someone else. It should be to become the best version of ourselves A lake should not strive to be a mountain. Or a hand, an ear. Each of us are in this time and place because we are the best person to fill it when we shine our best. Everyone wins.

“How do you keep your employees so loyal? I have been trying to hire them away from you for 2 years.” That was a question I heard when my husband and I owned the ice cream parlor The answer was simple We cared about our team like family. We gave them opportunities to learn and use new skills We gave them accountability, responsibility, and the authority to make decisions. We encouraged them to grow

How can you grow today? How can you help someone else grow today?

“NOT CAN’T, BUT HOW?” TAKE ACTION

Changing our mindsets from being in the continual cycle of getting ready to lead versus actually leading can transform our impact.

Confidence comes on the other side of experience We can’t have stronger leadership than we have today unless we step out and do something that is new and uncomfortable. Everyone has conquered uncomfortable steps in some way –graduation, marriage, children, a new job, a new home… Over time these new steps become comfortable It is the same in leadership

As to the path, I trust God to guide me. I am a vessel. He steers the ship. What action can you take today that takes courage?

FOCUS ON WHAT IS IMPORTANT. WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE?

Intentionality is key Here are some questions you can ask yourself:

If today were my last day on earth, what would I wish I had done to make the world a better place?

Who do I want to talk to or impact? How? Spend time thinking about these questions and choose one small thing you can do each day that is an action toward it. That might be as simple as a letter, a conversation, a donation, a gift of time, a supportive word, a hug

Caring and connecting with others is central to being a great leader. When we lean into the core principles that lead to meaningful leadership, lives are changed. In my own journey, not only have I helped others change their lives, but they in turn have changed mine. Their willingness to be vulnerable and grow as leaders has taught me things that I can share with others I serve and apply in my own life. Can you see the amazing cycle that these 5 Leadership Traits produce?

I am thankful for every day. Thankful for every person whose life I can touch in a positive way. I no longer think about “that day” when I will be able to have an impact. It is here. I am living it. I want that for you too!

If an ice cream lady can do it, you can do it! Lead on and make each day count

About

Kathy Kasten is the CEO / Founder of Lion Crest Leadership She is an Executive Coach, Business Consultant and Trainer, Keynote Speaker, and Best-Selling AwardWinning Author. She works with executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs to help them grow their leadership, build deep relationships, and live the legacy they want to leave – one step at a time, one day at a time.

www.lioncrestleadership. com