Stephanie Preston
Director of Marketing
HALO Branded Solutions, Sterling, Illinois
Number of direct reports: 9
Nominated by: Tara Francke, Carrie Wolf, Brenda Vos, Philip Peden, Katie Whitehead, Marc Book
Stephanie Preston (second from right) with team members (from left) Katie Whitehead, Brenda Vos, Carrie Wolf, Tara Francke and (front row) Marc Book. Not pictured is Phil Peden.
Stephanie’s cool factor: “She has never used her power against us,” says nominator Brenda Vos. “She is simply one of us and is here to help us all excel.”
It’s a well-known fact that people learn what they live. For Stephanie Preston, that’s how to manage others by creating an open and collaborative environment where camaraderie is baked into the team culture. For the past 12 years she’s worked at HALO, reporting to Terry McGuire, senior vice president of marketing and supplier relations (whom she calls the best boss ever—see below). Prior to joining the industry, she spent two years at Great West Financial and five years at National Manufacturing Co. But HALO is where she’s been able to spend the most time honing her skills as an effective and respected people manager—and those she supervises are glad to work alongside her.
“Stephanie is absolutely wonderful to work for,” says nominator Marc Book, a marketing consultant who has reported to Preston for almost four years. “She is focused on achieving our tasks and leads with purpose. Her vision is clear and easily shared while also very open to our ideas. We all feel as though we have a guiding hand in our company’s future. All of these qualities leave us feeling needed and part of something bigger.”
Another nominator, Carrie Wolf, a marketing coordinator who has reported to Preston for 12 years, says, “She trusts in her employees and trusts in our integrity to accomplish our responsibilities for the company.” Marketing consultant Katie Whitehead, a two-year team member, adds, “Stephanie has created an environment in our department that makes us continue to look for ways to improve. She is the best boss that I have had because of her passion for this company and her management skills. She cares about her employees, wants to see us succeed and inspires us to do so.”
One-On-One With Stephanie Preston
Most important lesson learned as a boss:
Everyone brings a unique voice and perspective that should be heard. Encouraging your team to contribute their thoughts and energy always leads to a better idea, a better outcome and boosts team morale.
Philosophy for successfully managing people:
Create a collaborative environment where people feel they have a stake in the outcome. Communicate the big picture and long-term vision so the group feels they are contributing to the overall growth and strategy of your company. As long as a staff member is engaged and successfully contributing, allow them flexibility so they can maintain a positive work-family balance.
To create a positive team culture:
- We have a casual work environment which helps to create a relaxed atmosphere.
- Communication is key. Ensuring that everyone is aware of what is going on within the department and within the organization creates transparency.
- Jump in and do the work. Participate in both the little and the big things; it shows you are one of the team. Lead by example.
- Treats are a good way to keep things light. I bring in themed cookies from a local bakery every holiday. If I forget, my staff reminds me. It’s the little things that are fun, anticipated and appreciated. Little things make big differences.
Best advice for other people managers:
Surround yourself with people who complement the areas where you are not as strong to create a well-rounded team. It’s not necessary to be the expert in every aspect of your job. Allowing people to take ownership and become the expert with a skill, process or project gives them a sense of empowerment and keeps them more engaged. Be open to new ideas and innovation and allow your employees to pursue those things that might be a great benefit to the company. Spend time with each team member to reinforce their relevance and importance. Even if they are just 15 minutes, face-to-face meetings help manage conflict and build trust.
Best boss ever:
My best boss is my current one, Terry McGuire, senior vice president of marketing and supplier relations. His fun and laidback approach creates a creative and collaborative environment for our team. He’s open to new ideas and innovation, and provides me latitude to do the things I strongly believe in.
