Lisa Rau

Director of Publicity and Public Relations, Silver Dollar City

81

Believe your own paparazzi!

We all need a barometer.

At Silver Dollar City, we are motivated by annual strategic plans, in-depth research, goalattainment and performance reviews. Performance agreements, crafted with each individual, guide expected measurable, numerical results to include personal improvement and companywide financial pillars. If we don’t set measurable goals, how do we know when we reach success? Bonus rewards come with hard-earned work.

83

Define levels of responsibility.

Murky understanding of responsibilities creates confusion over who is in charge of what decisions. Early on, I had more responsibility than authority, and the stress was detrimental to my being and my relationships. Knowing your guard rails, levels of decision making and extent of authority allows a strategic path to results. With well-defined roles, if we hit roadblocks or questionable cooperation, there is a plan in place to address issues.

Positive energy propels us to maximize opportunity and be “all-in” dedicated. I fiercely believe in the companies where I have worked – the essence of who/ what we are, within cultures where people thrive. If you are in a work situation where you do not feel inspired, find a company seeking your unique gifts where you can flourish. Believe in yourself and your product!

84

Listen. Think. Define. Don’t defend.

This is not my forte. I always want to speak up, as it’s a challenge for me to actively listen and wait for the appropriate time to provide thoughts. I have to filter all that pops into my head and place it somewhere – be it the margin for later discussion, future pondering or throw it away. The pause allows me to better formulate a response of defining, not defending. In the end, we can agree to disagree, yet move forward.

85

Visualize a mantra: What’s my Africa?

My personal – albeit odd – mantra guides me through tough times in determining direction. I have always been obsessed with Africa, at a young age dreaming of being there and projecting what I wanted in the future. Upon graduating college, the anxiety of where to turn set in. What did I do? I went to Africa. Soon thereafter, the cloudiness and fear dissipated as my future took shape. Visualizing the path ahead works for me; perhaps set a mantra for yourself.

Life is a contact sport.

Coined by the manager of Kenny Rogers, who I worked with for several years, a relationship strategy is profoundly valuable. Becoming a leader takes a wide network. That web is strengthened through follow-up, staying in contact and genuinely asking about others’ lives or circumstances. A network of “work friends” is invaluable.

89

Find personal career accomplishments.

86

Clearly communicate when leading.

Day-to-day cryptic talk/text/email of assignments isn’t fair. Don’t assume people will figure out what you mean. Prone to quickly talking, texting, emailing and scribbling, something called “Lisa Talk” evolved within my team. Others were left to decipher the message. This is not right, period. People want to accomplish what’s expected of them, and we owe them clear guidance.

88

New leaders need good trainers.

Years ago, I pushed people too hard. After all, it worked on me with bosses who knew by challenging me, I worked harder. But it felt awful to be on the receiving end and, yes, when dishing it out, too. SDC didn’t give up on me; instead they gave me an executive coach who had no problem calling me out on behavior, thinking or strategies. Leaders need to develop skills and learn lessons along the way.

Notes:

It takes courage to be a leader who genuinely wants good for others. If we focus on ourselves, the team will not trust. Supportive energy nets shared ownership, credit and satisfaction. For those with promise, give a step up, encouragement and even tough love. Our marketing VP, my current boss who has always worked to better herself, was on my PR team for a substantial part of the 1990s. I hope the early role I played in her career, and in others, was impactful – both in “how to” and “how not to.”

90 Balance. Find it early.

While the phrase work-life balance may seem cliche, it takes commitment to make it work. I believe results-driven workplaces with high-bar expectations can leave us hollow unless we feel valued. A culture that has heart and soul, believes in the people and practices respect for one another, is invaluable. And we each must remember that time away refreshes enthusiasm. Or that leaving for yoga or visiting with friends restores energy and nourishes the soul. Sometimes what’s on your desk just needs to wait.