PPB October 2017

Eileen Lynch Regional Sales Manager BIC Graphic Maplewood, New Jersey Number of direct reports: 9 “ E ileen is empathetic, genuine, caring and brilliant. Her approach is more of a coach or parent than a boss,” says her nominator, Harold Wood, who has reported to Eileen Lynch for 13 years. He explains that she understands the grueling pace of a sales organization, the importance of industry volunteerism, and the importance of balancing work and personal life. Perhaps one of the reasons she’s such a good boss is that she has reported to a number of exceptional bosses, including Paul Lage, MAS, who was the top executive at BIC/Norwood before joining Gill Studios, Inc. “Paul’s philosophy is ‘manage or be managed.’ This approach helped me understand the key to working with people is giving them permission to do it their way,” she says. “It fosters creative thinking, and helps develop ownership and accountability.” Lynch’s career experience—18 years at BIC, 10 years at Hammond and two years at Rediform—formed a solid foundation to help hone her people management skills. Over the years, she has collected valuable experience that she freely shares with others. “She has been a personal mentor for many years helping me understand my strengths and weaknesses,” says Wood. “She assists in setting realistic goals, and then urges me to plan for my success.” He also admires her volunteerism for PPAI and regional associations; she is a former board member and past president of Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York. “She is one of a kind, and I can only hope to be the same type of manager one day,” Wood adds. Eileen’s cool factor She is more of a “mom-ager” than a manager. She knows every member of her team, their kids, their pets and their successes. Her best bosses Paul Lage, MAS; John McNulty; Chris Edelen; Joe DeVault; Dave Saracino; and Lori Bauer, to name a few. What managing others has taught her about herself Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We all share the same fears, doubts, wants and needs. Each of us has our unique gifts and talents. Be generous with your time and talents. Help others and share your experience, and what you are good at—it will come back to you tenfold. Conversely, if you need help or support, ask for it. It opens the door and gives people permission around you to do the same. Her best advice for other bosses Leaders should lead. Like children, your team will listen to what you say but, ultimately they will watch what you do and imitate it. A great boss sets the tone for the team and, for me, balance is key to being successful and satisfied in every aspect of your life. Certainly, work hard, but take time to smell the flowers. It is easy to say; but difficult to practice. Be in the moment and be fully present in your life. If you are working, work, but if you are with your family, friends or just relaxing, be there and focus there. Give that moment/ time/person your full attention. Have a servant’s heart. My philosophy and attitude in dealing with my team is the same as with our customers: help them succeed; make their lives a little easier; listen and solve their problems/issues, and the business will follow. It builds loyalty, commitment and a true team spirit. Make it about them, not about you. And last, follow the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I never liked to be micromanaged, so I don’t micromanage my team. Give them the freedom to soar; they will not disappoint you. “Follow the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I never liked to be micromanaged, so I don’t micromanage my team. Give them the freedom to soar; they will not disappoint you.” —Eileen Lynch Eileen Lynch with her nominator and direct report Harold Wood. Best Bosses | FEATURE | OCTOBER 2017 | 33