Performance Q&A with Lynda Wingo.

PERFORMANCE: As an Executive and hands-on leader, what would be some the key points you have learned are essential in leading others to be greatness?
WINGO: Be a good listener, set an example, delegate, and encourage others for thought provoking ideas for your business.

PERFORMANCE: In this age of corporate scandal and employment uncertainty, what are the most effective ways you have found to create loyalty between your employees and the company?
WINGO: COMMUNICATION! It is important to have policies in writing prior to hiring, thorough training and mentoring, and a sincere interest in your employees and their lives. Since our business is family, it is only natural that we treat our staff as an extension of our family, remembering everyone has responsibilities and are accountable for their actions.

PERFORMANCE: What does it take in business today to be successful and thrive?
WINGO: Innovation, creativity, marketing, and never being satisfied with what worked last year. But at the same time, don’t forget the principles that your business was founded on. Being part of our family business for over 30 years, I have found that people want the business to be stable, consistent, and begin and end each day with integrity.

PERFORMANCE: What are some of the top points you would advise a manager/leader to know or do, to reap the best performance out of their team?
WINGO: Use the golden rule…treat others, as you would like to be treated. We tell our teachers that if you want respect from your students, treat them with respect!
This is true regardless if you are working with a 3 year old or an adult. We all want to be important, and feel we are of value.

PERFORMANCE: What would be some of the essential strategies for developing and retaining your top talent?
WINGO: In my case, our talent has to come from their heart. Teachers, really great teachers WANT to work, and they love the reward from their students. Of course, benefits are helpful, plentiful resources, and appreciation from both school administration and families of students. Giving them time off in the form of personal and/or sick days, vacation time, providing workshops and reimbursing them for continuing education. And then there is the “fun” part…holiday parties, Christmas light tours, and we have had summer lake events to name a few. Interaction between administration, teaching staff, and parents also has proven to be effective. It creates a bond, a personal bond of loyalty, and I have been blessed to have 20% of my staff with over 20 years. And it comes down to a personal relationship…knowing we can count on each other every day.

PERFORMANCE: As a builder of minds and bodies with what you do, what are some of the essential elements to building a balanced person in today’s environment – adult or child?
WINGO: Keeping a balance of work and play, time for your family, and always leave time for yourself. “Refuel yourself” in order to take care of those in your life that depend on you.

PERFORMANCE: What are some of the essential strategies for developing and retaining your top talent?
WINGO: Again, I want them to be a part of the team. I need them, and they need me. If we work together and strive for success together, we will be a winning team. It’s also important that they have self-respect and prideful of their own accomplishments. I also look for staff with the same basic teaching philosophy, and the desire to do more than “just what is required”.
I want commitment, and I’m willing to give in return. Again, everyone needs to feel appreciated.

It comes down to relationships, caring about people, those you work with, live with, and hope to meet. Owning a business, working for someone, selling a product…doesn’t it all come down to how we treat people, not just who we know?