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Don't wear all your messages on your sleeve
By Cindy Kent, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
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Suzanne Leslie
President & Creative Director
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Suzanne Leslie, chief marketing officer for the accounting, audit tax advisory firm MarcumRachlin in Fort Lauderdale, says she's the gate keeper, air traffic controller and all-around guardian of her staff of 14 employees. "I feel very responsible and protective of my team," she said.
Leslie's team provides marketing services for Marcum LLP companywide, including its 800 employees in 12 offices, and their clients. Designers create proposals and marketing and collateral materials for in-house meetings, media and customized client prospect presentations. Through its Rachlin Design division, the team provides marketing and branding services for outside clients such as family businesses, nonprofit organizations, health care providers and others.
Leslie said it is up to managers and other leaders to sift through information and communicate what's appropriate for the staff: distractions cause lack of focus and stress. "Don't wear your messages on your sleeve," Leslie cautioned.
Understanding individuals' weaknesses and strengths make the team stronger.Staying in touch with face-to-face conversations, e-mails, meetings and conference calls keeps everyone on track for project updates and to meet deadlines.
Employees who are mentored, trained and involved are invested in the company's success, Leslie said. "Everything we do affects the message of the firm," she said. "I know what the message should be because I was mentored by my boss and I know what his vision is. I know what his answers are."
To develop employees, enable them through training, Leslie said. "There are rules in a regulated industry like this," she said,adding that it is important to share information and implement effective processes and procedures. She recommends applying benchmarks to measure an employee's evolution, such as noting their leadership roles, project management skills and success at meeting deadlines. Leslie said her team's strong cohesiveness is built on a foundation of differences. "We all have different backgrounds and we all have different challenges," she said. "You grow with the people you work with."
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