A Candid Conversation with Kerry Siggins, CEO of Stone Age in Durango.

LLP Leadership Development
Oct 2023
Written by Stacy Reuille-Dupont, PhD
In the ever-evolving world of leadership, one thing is clear: everyone has their unique style when it comes to leading teams. This month, I got to have a fascinating chat with ’08-’09 LLP grad Kerry Siggins who spilled the beans on her social style, how it shapes her leadership, and her new book The Ownership Handbook: A handbook for Transforming Your Life and Leadership.

Expressive in Life, Driver at Work
Kerry identifies herself as a mix of Expressive and Driver. She leans towards being "Expressive" in her personal life, but when she's on the job, she shifts gears into "Driver" mode. This dynamic blend makes her a formidable force. At work, her focus is on setting a clear vision, ensuring everyone understands their role, and igniting enthusiasm among her team for company goals. Yet, Kerry acknowledges the potential drawbacks of her Driver-Expressive style, noting that she can sometimes move too quickly for certain team members. She's learned that slowing down and seeking input from different social styles, especially the amiable and analytical folks, is essential.

Kerry's Leadership Definition in a Nutshell
For Kerry, leadership revolves around uniting the team around a shared vision. It's akin to ensuring everyone is in the right seat on the bus and collaborates seamlessly. Her primary mission is to inspire individuals to bring their A-game and live their best lives, both in and out of the office.

Why Self-Awareness Matters
Kerry says self-awareness is the secret sauce. She firmly believes that effective leadership hinges on being self-aware and taking personal responsibility. “Without it, you're essentially leading with one hand tied behind your back. You wouldn't even realize how you're affecting your environment”.

Caring Culture is Key
Creating a thriving team culture, according to Kerry, requires one key ingredient: care. She passionately advocates for fostering an environment where people genuinely care about each other. "When employees know their company, bosses, and colleagues care about them, it creates an inclusive workspace where they feel safe to be themselves. This, in turn, lays the groundwork for psychological safety."

The Evolution of Leadership Style
Kerry said her leadership style has taken quite a journey over the years. She used to let her boundless passion and drive run wild, which didn't always sit well with others. In 2018, difficult conversations with her COO led her to do some soul-searching. “I owned it and vowed from that moment to be cool, calm, and collected”. Her leadership style has undergone a dramatic improvement, making it easier for her team to provide feedback without fearing a fiery reaction.

Handling Different Social Styles
Navigating a variety of social styles in the workplace requires understanding and adjusting communication approaches accordingly. Kerry's primary challenge lies in interacting with amiable peacekeepers who tend to avoid conflicts. She emphasizes the value of authenticity and addressing issues directly rather than sweeping them under the rug to maintain peace.

Unwinding from Work
Finding perfect work-life balance can be elusive for leaders. Transitioning from work mode to non-work mode isn't always easy. Kerry's remedy? Meditation, reading, and writing. She also swears by weekly massages for ultimate self-care. Whenever she can, prepping and cooking dinner for her family allows her to leave the workday behind.

Book Launch Alert
Before wrapping up, Kerry invited everyone to their book launch event on October 16th at Seasons with Maria’s, for a book signing, cash bar, and appetizers. It's open to the public, come out and support your LLP comrade.
Kerry’s journey underscores the power of self-awareness, adaptability, and a genuine care for people to create truly great leadership. From being a fast-paced passionate disrupter to evolving into a composed and compassionate leader, Kerry’s story is a testament to personal and professional growth in the leadership arena.

Bio:
Stacy Reuille-Dupont, PhD, LAC, CPFT, CNC - Learn More About Me. She owns Studio B a place to Create.Your.Self. We are passionate about helping people create a vibrant life using psychology and physiology.

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