Setting Guardrails for Increased Productivity with CEO Kelly Robinson

In this week’s invigorating episode of the Leading Real Change podcast, Kelly Robinson, CEO of Panna Knows Recruiting, describes her journey to becoming a more supportive and compassionate leader. Instead of constantly trying to prove her worth, she now values her time and contributions and helps her staff do the same. She focuses on her staff so they can focus on their clients. It’s a win win.

Key take aways include:

1. **Transition from Employee to Entrepreneur:** Kelly's journey from being a managing partner to starting her own business highlighted the shift in priorities from pleasing others to focusing on personal fulfillment and work-life balance.
2. **Prioritization and Focus:** Adopting a system of prioritizing tasks and focusing on the three most important things for the day helped Kelly manage her workload more efficiently.
3. **Setting Boundaries:** Kelly learned the importance of setting boundaries, particularly regarding work hours and personal time, to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
4. **Leading by Example:** By demonstrating a balanced approach to work and personal life, Kelly sets the tone for her team, encouraging them to prioritize their well-being and personal commitments.
5. **Empathy and Support:** Recognizing signs of stress or burnout in team members and offering support, whether it's granting breaks or providing resources for personal development, fosters a supportive work environment.
6. **Transparent Communication:** Kelly emphasizes transparent communication with clients regarding the company's operating hours and encourages open dialogue within the team to address concerns or frustrations effectively.
7. **Individualized Motivation:** Understanding each team member's unique motivations and preferences allows Kelly to tailor rewards and opportunities, fostering a culture of appreciation and personal growth.
8. **Leadership vs. Management:** Kelly distinguishes between leadership and management, highlighting the importance of motivating and empowering employees alongside task delegation and oversight.
9. **Self-Care and Reflection:** Prioritizing self-care activities, such as therapy and personal time, enables Kelly to maintain self-awareness and empathy in her leadership role, leading to more effective communication and decision-making.
10. **Continuous Improvement:** Kelly emphasizes the value of accountability and continuous improvement, encouraging her team to learn from mistakes and strive for incremental progress each day. She advocates for small, consistent actions to improve oneself gradually.