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In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Loraine Yalch, a remarkable leader at Armada Supply Chain Solutions!
Loraine’s journey from a dot-com survivor to a supply chain wizard is not just inspiring, it is also a masterclass in effective leadership. She shared valuable insights on communication, team dynamics, and creating a culture of accountability within an organization.
The Power of Proactive Communication
One of Loraine’s core beliefs is the importance of proactive communication. She emphasized that good communication is essential, regardless of whether the news is positive, negative, or neutral. To instill this mindset in her team, she introduced a mantra, consisting of six simple words: “No surprises. No BS. Reach out.”
Leadership Tip: Encourage open communication by implementing regular check-ins where team members can share updates and challenges in a relaxed setting. This can help normalize discussions around both successes and setbacks.
Make It Fun: Turn these check-ins into a “Coffee Catch-Up” session where team members can grab their favorite drinks and discuss updates in a casual, comfortable environment. Adding a theme or icebreaker questions can keep the energy light and engaging.
As Loraine said, “If you only do the third one, if all you ever do is reach out and communicate, you don’t even have to worry about No Surprises. No B.S." This simple yet powerful approach established a culture where team members felt comfortable sharing updates and challenges openly, fostering a supportive environment.
Building a Framework for Success
Loraine’s mantra wasn’t just about establishing rules; it was about creating a new framework for collaboration. She recognized that her team was comprised of talented individuals with diverse skills, and they needed a different approach to leverage those strengths effectively.
Leadership Tip: Foster collaboration by creating cross-functional teams for specific projects, allowing diverse perspectives to shape outcomes. This encourages team members to learn from one another and enhance their collective problem-solving skills. Watch trust, respect and collaboration SOAR!
Make It Fun: Organize a team-building retreat with creative challenges and activities that require teamwork, such as escape rooms or scavenger hunts. These experiences can strengthen bonds and stimulate collaboration in a fun setting. By implementing a communication framework, you can see significant improvements in team dynamics and overall performance. Shift away from traditional hierarchical structures to a more collaborative model, where every team member has a voice and is encouraged to contribute.
Results Driven by a Strong Team
While Loraine’s communication strategy played a crucial role in her success, she was quick to acknowledge the importance of the people involved. “There've been lots of great people on our teams with great skills,” she noted. It’s a testament to how effective leadership can unlock the potential of a team, transforming individuals into a cohesive unit that drives results.
Leadership Tip: Recognize individual contributions regularly to boost morale and encourage continued excellence. Simple shout-outs during meetings or a dedicated “Kudos” board can go a long way in appreciating team members.
Make It Fun: Host a monthly “Spotlight Celebration” where team members can share their accomplishments or shout out their peers. You could include fun awards, like “Team MVP” or “Creative Thinker,” to keep the atmosphere lively and motivating. Loraine’s journey exemplifies that leadership is not just about making decisions; it’s about cultivating an environment where everyone can thrive. By prioritizing communication and collaboration, she has navigated her way through challenges AND empowered her team to excel!
Conclusion
(and a garden picture!)
Loraine's journey from a dot-com survivor to a leader at Armada Supply Chain Solutions is a compelling narrative of resilience, adaptability, and the power of effective communication. Her mantra of “No surprises. No BS. Reach out” serves as a guiding principle for any leader looking to foster a culture of transparency and collaboration.
And, we were grateful to be able to spend some time with her to hear about another passion of hers...her GARDEN. Thanks, Loraine!
Armada creates innovative, fully integrated supply chain solutions that deliver competitive advantages and improve business performance for our clients.
How?
We create unique supply chain solutions based on our experience and insight that exceed our clients’ needs—today and as they plan for the future
Armada is an experienced, strategic business partner to premier brands
We provide our clients with end-to-end visibility, measurement, and proactive control of their supply chains
Armada engineers and optimizes supply chain networks so that they deliver sustainable cost and service improvements and create a competitive advantage
We design responsive and flexible networks that can adjust to changing demand and supply data points
Armada works as an extension of our clients’ supply chain organizations, providing a comprehensive range of in-house expertise and services
We seamlessly and efficiently manage day-to-day supply chain activities, allowing our clients to focus their efforts on other high-value core areas
Armada develops long-term strategic solutions while we execute short-term tactical initiatives
We operate with a high level of energy and excitement about our clients’ businesses
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