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It’s awell-known fact that
people learnwhat they live. For
Stephanie Preston, that’s how
tomanage others by creating
an open and collaborative
environment where camaraderie
is baked into the teamculture.
For the past 12 years she’sworked
at HALO, reporting to Terry
McGuire, senior vice president of
marketing and supplier relations
(whomshe calls the best boss
ever—see below). Prior to joining
the industry, she spent two
years at GreatWest Financial
and five years at National
Manufacturing Co. But HALO is
where she’s been able to spend
themost time honing her skills
as an effective and respected
peoplemanager—and those
she supervises are glad towork
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
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.
ONE-ON-ONE WITH STEPHANIE PRESTON
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.
Encouraging
your team to
contribute their
thoughts and
energy always
leads to a better
idea, a better
outcome and
boosts team
morale.
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
2016
Wolf, amarketing 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 KatieWhitehead, a
two-year teammember, adds,
“Stephanie has created an
environment in our department
thatmakes 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.”
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.”
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OCTOBER 2016
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59
Best Bosses
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FEATURE