Leadership Insights

Leadership Insights

Here are what local leaders have to say about leadership

JOAN FUNKE, Human Resources Director, Regional Medical Center

Successful leadership today is about developing meaningful connections. Every position in an organization is important to reaching its goals and achieving success, and it is important for leaders to recognize each employee for the contributions they provide. Leaders should employ good listening skills and routinely gather feedback from employees; each team member has a unique perspective and experience.

JOAN FUNKE, Human Resources Director, Regional Medical Center

KURT STRAND, President and CEO, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Over the last couple years, we’ve faced COVID-19, supply chain issues, rising inflation, a crisis in Ukraine and more. How does a leader successfully navigate their team through difficult times?

Your team looks to you for guidance, support, direction and your time. Regular communication is essential, as is listening to your team’s concerns, questions and fears. Without regular communication, your grapevine will make things up, and oftentimes, it is incorrect. It’s okay to not have all the answers, but being completely transparent with your team is important. Communicate what you know, and what you don’t know, and use multiple ways of communicating, such as email, meetings, memos, conversations, town halls, etc.

KURT STRAND, President and CEO, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

As a leader, you are never not communicating. And in difficult times, you can’t over communicate. Be visible. Be in the moment. Be transparent. Lead.

SCOTT PERKINS, Senior Vice President and CFO, TriMark Corporation

A leader sets the direction of the organization and turns the employees loose to get it done. Do not micro-manage. Trust that they will use their skills and commitment to pursue the organization’s end goals. A great leader will know when to step in and steer them back in the direction the business needs to go.

Scott Perkins, Senior Vice President and CFO, TriMark Corporation