PPB October 2018

What’s cool about Lucy Lucy is interested in how employees are both at work and at home, and takes time to acknowledge how their personal lives affect their work lives. She also trusts their ability to understand the workload and to prioritize the tasks required without micromanaging. Her best boss Connie Neuse. She was my first female boss and therefore I really looked up to her and paid close attention to how she managed. (Of course, this was a few years ago!) She had to be tough and smart, but she also really cared about the people she managed. She was encouraging and supportive, and talked to you, not at you. What managing others has taught her about herself It has taught me to be a better listener. Her best advice for other bosses I have found that people work harder on their shortcomings or weak areas when they are recognized for their accomplishments and strengths. LUCY NYHAMMER Director of Expanded Services/Remote Offices American Solutions For Business Number of Direct Reports: 30 Years Managing Others: 30 L ucy Nyhammer first learned the ins and outs of the people management business during the five years that she managed an Irish pub. From there, she took a job in customer service at Glenwood, Minnesota- based distributor American Solutions For Business and over the next 20 years was promoted through the ranks to her current position. Today, she manages five remote offices across the U.S., ensuring employees have the training, equipment and processes they need to be successful. “Lucy is such a big-hearted and caring person,” says Lindsey Toenyan, one of five nominators. “She is always willing to take the time to help you out or get something solved even if that means staying late at work. She understands life happens and is right there by your side to help you through it all.” Nominator KymCihlar says, “Lucy is always there to help when a problem arises, she will also simply listen if that is what needed. I admire her ability to lead by example, admit when she can learn from others and tailor her management style for the best results.” Lucy Nyhammer (center), with some of her direct reports, is respected as a caring and big-hearted leader. Anna Ondracek (in white top with team members) says everyone has strengths and assets that are unique to them, and remembering that helps her be a better boss. ANNA ONDRACEK Director, Sales Operations Sunrise Identity Powered by HALO Number of Direct Reports: 40 Years Managing Others: 6 T hree years ago, Anna Ondracek joined Bellevue, Washington-based distributor Sunrise Identity Powered by HALO after owning an atelier, a custom apparel and tailoring business. Her experience in creating custom apparel was a perfect fit for her new audience: buyers looking for custom-logoed promotional products. Her management style also fit the job to a tee. Her nine nominators call her strong, creative, fair and a problem- solver. “She pushes me every day to solve new problems but is always there to coach me along the way,” says nominator Sarah Metzger. “I strive to be a leader like she is.” “Anna is an amazing leader because she truly cares about our professional growth,” says nominator Eileen Rausch. “She constantly helps us set goals and communicates wins but also our areas of improvement. She manages through empowerment by treating everyone as adults and letting them take responsibility for their actions.” What’s cool about Anna She participates in work happy hours so that team members get to know her outside of work. They say it makes her less intimidating, so they are comfortable approaching her with anything. FEATURE | Best Bosses Of 2018 40 | OCTOBER 2018 |