Should You Have An Open Door Policy? | E150

This week on Leadership is Feminine, we're diving deep into a subject matter that isn't often discussed - the emotional toll of pet bereavement, and how that affects our businesses. Our guest, Erika Sinner, shares her personal journey of dealing with the loss of her beloved pets and how this sparked her to author a book, Pets Are Family. This episode unravels the societal discomfort around discussing pet grief and the need for empathy-driven leadership to manage such situations. Erika talks about moving beyond traditional norms and choosing to be a dog parent with her husband to four beloved shar pei dogs. She shares her journey of health issues and loss she has experienced with her dogs. And it is through these experiences that she saw the need for pet bereavement leave and which also gave her a new perspective to see the emotional dynamics prevalent in our work cultures. Kris Plachy emphasizes the importance of clear agreements and expectations within organizations, alongside acknowledging and validating employees' emotions. They touch on the significant productivity cost of unmanaged grief and stress the need for larger corporations to understand and accommodate employees' emotional needs. Channeling their experiences into thought-provoking discussions on empathy, authenticity and feminine leadership, both Kris and Erika agree that nurturing emotional intelligence in the workplace can result in a healthier work environment. This episode is a call to action for anyone in a leadership role to foster a more understanding, compassionate and emotionally intelligent workspace. It's a candid conversation you won't want to miss! "When we allow our inner wisdom to guide us and dare to pursue our dreams, we embody the power of living an authentically empathetic life, which in turn, inspires others,” – Erika Sinner. Key Takeaways From This Episode Introduction to Erika Sinner: CEO of Directorie and author of Pets Are Family Advocacy for pet bereavement leave in the U.S: Emphasis on validating feelings and understanding the impact of pet loss Need for clarity regarding values and expectations: The balance between understanding and business requirements Employee Appreciation and Performance: Showing appreciation for employees, while also holding them accountable Impact of Pet Grief: Advocacy for understanding and supporting those experiencing pet grief Emphasizing the Unique Leadership Qualities of Women: The unique leadership attributes that women bring Guest Bio Erika Sinner is a CEO, a compassionate advocate, and the guiding force behind Directorie™, a company dedicated to propelling life science organizations forward in bringing vital products to market. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Erika's innovative spirit has fostered successful teams and elevated brands within the pharmaceutical industry. Erika's unwavering commitment to reimagining possibilities extends far beyond the boardroom; she's a woman of action, unafraid to confront societal gaps head-on. Her determination to foster empathetic solutions shines in both her professional and personal life. Erika stands not only as an exceptional CEO but also a devoted wife, a passionate lover of animals, and leading organizations with compassion. Learn More at PetsAreFamily.info Contact Information and Recommended Resources Join Kris to help impact 20 Million Women across the Globe! Become a Visionary.CEO/catalyst and spread the word! Kris explains all the details on the podcast this week. Essential, go to www.theVisionary.CEO/catalyst, Register, Grab the Visionary.CEO/Podcast link from your dashboard and SHARE IT with all the women you know in your friend, colleague and network circles. We'll be tracking links by Catalyst and awarding each Catalyst who shares her link to at least 20 women with a free digital course from Kris. thevisionary.ceo/store Contact Information and Recommended Resources Connect with Kris Plachy ONE HOUR LEADER Transform your current team into the million dollar self-directed team you wish you had in as little as one hour per week. Private Subscriber List: Get on the list today! TheVisionary.ceo Work with Kris and Her Team: TheVisionary.ceo CEO Boutique Email: [email protected] Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy dives into the essential topic of expressing assertiveness and setting boundaries in professional settings. Kris illuminates the difference between what people say when they don't feel the need to guard what they say, versus what they convey in less clear ways when they feel protective. Kris emphasizes that the majority of women she coaches need guidance to articulate what needs to be said fearlessly and in clear terms. She candidly explores her own journey of setting stronger expectations during her info sessions, transforming them into active, participative experiences rather than passive webinars. A significant theme that emerges is how essential it is to set clear expectations, whether that's in team interactions, client meetings, or personal relationships. Kris candidly discusses her own experiences navigating this and shares how she boldly updated her expectations for those attending her sessions. This episode is an eye-opener for leaders who shy away from clarity over fear of losing people; it’s time to embrace transparency and enforce consequences for unmet expectations. “You run a company. If you're not clear about the agreements and the expectations for what it means to come work for you, they get to make the rules be whatever they want. And who could blame them?” Key Takeaways From This Episode Importance of Clear Communication in Leadership: Challenges faced by female leaders The Impact of Not Speaking Up on Relationships and Teamwork: Addressing the fear of retribution when being honest and clear Kris’ Example Setting and Communicating Expectations: Reflection on need for setting and enforcing clear expectations for attendees Leaders Managing Expectations in Business Settings: Parallels drawn from the info session example to managing a team/business Handling Unmet Expectations Contact Information and Recommended Resources Join Kris to help impact 20 Million Women across the Globe! Become a Visionary.CEO/catalyst and spread the word! Kris explains all the details on the podcast this week. Essential, go to www.theVisionary.CEO/catalyst, Register, Grab the Visionary.CEO/Podcast link from your dashboard and SHARE IT with all the women you know in your friend, colleague and network circles. We'll be tracking links by Catalyst and awarding each Catalyst who shares her link to at least 20 women with a free digital course from Kris. thevisionary.ceo/store Contact Information and Recommended Resources Connect with Kris Plachy ONE HOUR LEADER Transform your current team into the million dollar self-directed team you wish you had in as little as one hour per week. Private Subscriber List: Get on the list today! TheVisionary.ceo Work with Kris and Her Team: TheVisionary.ceo CEO Boutique Email: [email protected] Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

In another episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy delivers powerful insights and thoughtful musings about a favorite topic: goals. Showcasing her natural finesse for leadership coaching, Kris frames a magic question that serves as an effective tool to realign our focus - "What is the goal?" In a world where our minds are cluttered with to-do lists, divergent ideas, and unexpected plans, Kris argues that this seemingly simple question can guide us back to the heart of our intentions. This episode delves into the importance of a goal-oriented approach in leadership and decision-making processes. Moreover, Kris shares an ambitious goal of her own. She hopes to inspire and influence 20 million women in leadership globally through her podcast. With this target, she highlights the underlying tenet of Leadership is Feminine - that one thriving woman can make a significant difference. She gives a call-to-action, inviting listeners to share the podcast and empower more women leaders worldwide. In her discussion about the power of goal setting, Kris candidly explores how "What is the goal?" can serve as a filter for clarity. It's an immediate dose of reality, highlighting if we’re on track or need to re-calibrate. So, are you ready to ask yourself, “What is the goal?” “What would happen to the world if women had more personal agency, had more voice, led on her own terms? I do believe we could change the world.” Key Takeaways From This Episode Clarifying your goals: Importance of being clear with your goals as a leader The magical question that can help regain perspective and focus Kris' Personal Goal to Reach 20 Million Women: The impact this will have for women in leadership, and how that will have an affect on all of us Call to Action for Listeners: How you can help Kris reach her goal, and the incentives to help you do so The Importance of Having a Clear Goal: Using this tool will help in meetings, professional conversations, and personal decision-making situations Contact Information and Recommended Resources Connect with Kris Plachy ONE HOUR LEADER Transform your current team into the million dollar self-directed team you wish you had in as little as one hour per week. Private Subscriber List: Get on the list today! TheVisionary.ceo Work with Kris and Her Team: TheVisionary.ceo CEO Boutique Your Business Edit Email: [email protected] Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy gets real about the journey of entrepreneurship, asking the crucial question: what kind of business do you want? She draws on her years as an entrepreneur to explore the pivotal moments that arise as businesses grow, particularly when revenue hits the million-dollar mark. Kris discusses the decision-making process and the challenges women face when scaling their businesses, emphasizing the importance of aligning business goals with personal aspirations. Kris candidly shares her insights on the need for women to consider the life they want in the future and how it intersects with their business decisions. She challenges the traditional focus on revenue and growth, encouraging listeners to think about the type of business they truly want, and if they are willing to do what it takes to achieve it. Kris questions whether building a bigger business is always the right choice and highlights the necessity of being intentional about the future. Throughout the episode, Kris explores the potential pitfalls of rapid success and the importance of being prepared for growth. She emphasizes the need to build exceptional teams and be honest about personal leadership preferences. Kris’s compelling insights shed light on the often-overlooked aspects of entrepreneurial success, inspiring listeners to prioritize alignment with their true desires and intentions. "I want you to really think about it and build a business that aligns with the life you want. Do not live for your business and wake up thinking, this is my life. That's not the gift of entrepreneurship." Key Takeaways From This Episode Evaluating Business Growth and Leadership Role: The pivotal moments in the growth of a business Decisions when hitting certain revenue milestones: Deciding what team structures look like Questioning the Desire For a Larger Business: Examining whether or not a large business aligns with personal goals and lifestyle Exploration of whether a business has to be larger: Not living for the business but making conscious decisions Challenges and changes in scaling a business: Planning for the necessary resources, training, and infrastructure Preparedness for Business Success: The need to foresee and be ready for potential business growth Contact Information and Recommended Resources Connect with Kris Plachy ONE HOUR LEADER Transform your current team into the million dollar self-directed team you wish you had in as little as one hour per week. Private Subscriber List: Get on the list today! TheVisionary.ceo Work with Kris and Her Team: TheVisionary.ceo CEO Boutique Your Business Edit Email: [email protected] Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Welcome back to Leadership is Feminine! In this engaging episode, Kris Plachy sheds light on a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of running a business: the pitfalls of abdicating responsibilities as a founder. With candor and insight, Kris addresses the vulnerability that arises from handing over crucial aspects of the business and not being actively involved in their management. Kris highlights the tendency to delegate tasks to others and then disengage, whether it's bookkeeping, graphic design, or other operational functions. She emphasizes the vital role of the founder in maintaining strategic involvement and a clear line of sight into all areas of the business, even when delegating to experts. Kris delves into the potential consequences of complete abdication, such as financial mismanagement, loss of control, and the challenge of replacing key team members who hold all the knowledge. The episode explores the common tendencies of female founders, especially those from a bootstrapped background, to defer to or feel intimidated by senior hires' expertise. Kris stresses the importance of maintaining an authoritative presence and clear expectations for these roles, ensuring that the founder remains in control and actively engaged. She also addresses the fears and challenges that may prompt founders to shy away from micromanagement and inadvertently slide into complete abdication. Kris's powerful message resonates as she urges founders to embrace a leadership role, not by doing everything themselves, but by effectively leading and holding all team members accountable to the business's core vision and results. The episode serves as a wake-up call for founders to recognize and rectify instances of abdication that may be leaving their business vulnerable. "You're still in charge. And if you're in charge, you've got to show up. You have to be present in that relationship." Key Takeaways From This Episode Defining Abdication Within Your Business: Common areas and roles, recognizing what it looks like, and the consequences it has Hiring Senior Leaders and Delegating Responsibility: Ensuring understanding of the strategic vision and the results expected Balancing autonomy: The need for structure and accountability in senior roles Not Abdicating Doesn’t Have to Mean Micromanaging: Having a plan and not simply abdicating responsibilities Leading and Managing as a Founder/CEO: Inviting broader and bigger results through leadership Maintaining presence: Being present in the relationship without needing to know how to do the job

Today's episode of Leadership is Feminine dives into the concept of designing roles within a business as assets, rather than thinking of them as employee possessions. Host, Kris Plachy emphasizes the importance of creating roles that contribute to the business's objectives and results. She highlights the need to think about roles in the company as assets and how this mindset can change the way we create and hire for roles. Kris shares insights into the responsibility of leaders to hold individuals in these roles accountable for their performance and results. She discusses the need to separate the person from the position, emphasizing that roles belong to the business, not to the individuals. Throughout the episode, Kris stresses the importance of making decisions about roles and people based on clear evidence and expectations. The episode provides valuable insights into the relationship between businesses and their employees, underlining the importance of creating a culture of accountability and contribution. Kris also delves into the significance of embracing honesty and kindness in leadership, emphasizing the need for clear communication and regular feedback. Tune in to learn more about Kris's unique perspective on designing roles within a business and how this mindset can transform your approach to leadership and team management! And if you're looking for more information on this topic, head to thevisionary.ceo for further insights. Thanks for tuning in, and stay tuned for more empowering discussions on Leadership is Feminine! The only reason you should ever have a role is so it's contributing to a result. It's making something happen in the business. I don't think we pay people to get work done. I think we pay people to get results. Key Takeaways From This Episode Designing Roles as Business Assets: The importance of designing roles effectively Clear Objectives and Role Contributions: The distinction between paying for work done versus paying for results Finding the Right People: The impact of clear role expectations on the hiring process and role fulfillment Accountability and Responsibility in Leadership: Differentiating between the person and the position Managing Poor Role Performance: The need to address poor role performance without making it personal Contact Information and Recommended Resources Connect with Kris Plachy ONE HOUR LEADER Transform your current team into the million dollar self-directed team you wish you had in as little as one hour per week. Private Subscriber List: Get on the list today! TheVisionary.ceo Work with Kris and Her Team: TheVisionary.ceo CEO Boutique Your Business Edit Email: [email protected] Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

In this episode, Kris Plachy dives into the complex dynamic of promoting employees into management positions and the resulting challenges. Kris unpacks common issues faced by businesses as they transition from small teams to larger management structures. She candidly explores the struggles of transitioning from being an individual contributor to a manager, and details how new managers can unknowingly cause discomfort among their former peers. Kris emphasizes the importance of investing in management training and the significance of developing leadership skills. With real-life examples, she highlights the impact of mismanaged leadership on employee retention and the overall health of the organization. Kris also offers a thought-provoking perspective on the need for clear communication and leadership frameworks to navigate these transitions effectively. The episode provides an insightful look at the complexities of leadership transitions and emphasizes the need for intentional development and support for managers within the organization. Kris's direct and relatable approach offers a refreshing take on the nuances of leadership development and the impact of effective management on a company's success. “You can't assume that if they've worked for you for 12 years, they know how to be like you. And we don't want them to be like you. But we want to be aligned with you.” Key Takeaways From This Episode Challenges of Managing People in a Growing Company: Founder transitioning to a leadership position Importance of Leadership Training: The impact of proper management on business performance and culture Managerial Communication and Expectations: Establishing clear communication and expectations from managers Analyzing Your Manager's Communication Style and misconceptions about authoritative approach and respect in management Investigating Complaints About Managers: Assessing the alignment of managers with the founder's expectations Contact Information and Recommended Resources Connect with Kris Plachy ONE HOUR LEADER Transform your current team into the million dollar self-directed team you wish you had in as little as one hour per week. Private Subscriber List: Get on the list today! TheVisionary.ceo Work with Kris and Her Team: TheVisionary.ceo CEO Boutique Your Business Edit Email: [email protected] Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

In this week's episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy dives into the tough reality of losing key team members unexpectedly in your growing business. She acknowledges the emotional toll it takes and provides insightful guidance on how to navigate these challenging moments. Throughout the episode, Kris emphasizes the inevitability of change in business and the importance of being prepared for it. She encourages listeners to maintain a proactive hiring strategy and always be on the lookout for new talent, even during periods of stability. Kris also urges her audience not to take departures personally, emphasizing that employees won't have the same level of attachment to the business as the founder or CEO. Kris skillfully addresses the emotional reactions that may arise when faced with unexpected turnover, reminding her audience that they possess the knowledge and capability to handle these challenges. She highlights the need for developing systems and infrastructure to support the hiring process. An important takeaway from the episode is Kris's belief that despite the setbacks, female founders in leadership roles are fully capable of overcoming obstacles. She urges them not to give up when faced with employee departures, reinforcing the message that they have the strength and resources to persevere. “We have to have line of sight into our business and know what our mitigation plans are if anybody quits. We have to have a hiring strategy that invites us to always be hiring. Always be nurturing your next best hire. Always be looking for them.” Key Takeaways From This Episode Challenges of Losing Key Team Members: The feelings that come up, but also, the need to handle immediate business needs. Understanding the nature of business and team dynamics: The reality of employee turnover and being proactive in hiring and nurturing talent. Overcoming Emotional Reactions and Mindset Shifts: Replacing emotional reactions with a proactive mindset. Challenging the Belief in the Permanence of a Great Team: Cultivating the mindset of always being prepared for change. The Necessity of Investing in Understanding Team-Building and Leadership: Embracing employee turnover as an inevitable part of business. Moving Forward and Seeking Help: Emphasizing the availability of resources and support for handling these challenges Contact Information and Recommended Resources Connect with Kris Plachy ONE HOUR LEADER Transform your current team into the million dollar self-directed team you wish you had in as little as one hour per week. Private Subscriber List: Get on the list today! TheVisionary.ceo Work with Kris and Her Team: TheVisionary.ceo CEO Boutique Your Business Edit Email: [email protected] Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy challenges the notion of open door policies and their effectiveness in leadership. With her signature wisdom, Kris dives into why simply declaring an open door policy isn't enough to make team members feel truly comfortable approaching you. She emphasizes the importance of being intentional and prescriptive in creating opportunities for engagement with your team. Kris illustrates the concept by likening an open door policy to inviting someone into your home and how you can best make someone feel welcomed. She urges leaders to provide specific avenues for communication, such as scheduled one-on-one meetings, team lunches, or virtual office hours. Emphasizing the need for proactive engagement, Kris encourages leaders to initiate interactions, particularly with team members they might not know well. The episode emphasizes that the responsibility of creating a welcoming and approachable environment falls on the leader. Kris discusses the need for leaders to set boundaries and expectations while still being accessible and engaging. She highlights the importance of making team members feel comfortable and valued, ultimately shaping a healthy and productive workplace culture. There's a mantra that says ‘You first’. And I really think that's true for leaders. You have to go first. You have to initiate what engagement looks like. Key Takeaways From This Episode Open Door Policy Misconceptions: Exploring the reasons why open door policies may not be effective Creating Welcoming and Effective Communication Structures: Specific examples of ways to engage with team members Communication Strategies Leaders Can Use With Team Members: Suggestions for remote or virtual team engagement Encouraging Leaders to Take the Initiative In Engagement: Taking a look at how leaders can be more approachable Contact Information and Recommended Resources Connect with Kris Plachy ONE HOUR LEADER Transform your current team into the million dollar self-directed team you wish you had in as little as one hour per week. Private Subscriber List: Get on the list today! TheVisionary.ceo Work with Kris and Her Team: TheVisionary.ceo CEO Boutique Your Business Edit Email: [email protected] Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy addresses the challenges and dynamics that arise when a manager becomes the go-to person for complaints and venting within a company. She shares her perspective on the role of managers in extending culture, expectations, and values into the organization, while also emphasizing the importance of effective communication and translating the founder's vision to the team. Kris explores the issue of things getting lost in translation when communicating with managers, emphasizing the need for clear expectations and a strong emphasis on the organization's vision. She also discusses the importance of managers taking ownership of their role and responsibilities, particularly when it comes to addressing tough situations and holding employees accountable. Kris shares insights on empowering managers to be effective leaders rather than just messengers for the founder's directives. Join Kris as she delves into the intricate world of leadership, offering practical insights and solutions for managing a team while maintaining a healthy and productive work culture. If you're navigating the complexities of building and leading a team, this episode is a must-listen. “You've got to empower these managers to take responsibility for what they're doing. And if they don't agree or they have other ideas, let that be a part of your conversation. If all you're doing is telling people what to do, but you just hired someone and paid them a lot more money to be a babysitter of employees, that's what you're going to get.” Key Takeaways From This Episode Building a Management Team: Clarifying expectations, values, and vision Connecting Tasks to the Bigger Picture: Ensuring managers understand the reason behind the tasks and decisions Addressing Difficult Conversations: Coaching managers to develop the language to address uncomfortable topics with team members Dealing with Employee Complaints and Venting: Encouraging employees to bring solutions and recommendations when something doesn't work Distinguishing between legitimate concerns/complaints and informal venting: Formal process for addressing complaints, involving HR or higher-level management, and addressing mental health challenges and they are handled in the workplace Contact Information and Recommended Resources Connect with Kris Plachy ONE HOUR LEADER Transform your current team into the million dollar self-directed team you wish you had in as little as one hour per week. Private Subscriber List: Get on the list today! TheVisionary.ceo Work with Kris and Her Team: TheVisionary.ceo CEO Boutique Your Business Edit Email: [email protected] Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest