About Us: Our Team

Sr. Director of Marketing – Direct to Consumer

So much of our happiness at work has to do with the people we work with. I have been fortunate enough to work at Avery for 10 years. Avery is a great company with a strong culture that is validated by how long so many of our current employees have been with the company.  In my current role, I lead the Direct-to-Consumer business, which our team had the opportunity to build from the ground up starting in 2013.

I really enjoy my job and being part of a team full of smart, collaborative people is a big part of that. Our team has evolved and grown over time and I think we are at our best right now. We have great chemistry and everyone seems to be really enjoying the work. I attribute the strength of this great team to each member and the culture we have collectively built. I am just the lucky person who has the privilege to lead this team.

It is with this spirit, I thought I would share some tips that I believe have helped our team and that will hopefully benefit your teams as well.

The big picture

Each person on our team has their own individual role. However, our team members seem to be at their best when they understand the bigger picture company goals and specifically how their role can contribute. Everyone wants to make a difference.

Look for opportunities to share your company’s strategy and ongoing business results, and make sure each person understands how their role can make an impact. When people understand the big picture and how they can contribute, they feel energized.

Autonomy and trust

You’ve probably heard the famous quote “hire talented people and get out of their way.” This is really so important. Our team performs at its best when people are allowed to do their jobs and be the experts in their area.

The key is the collective trust and respect the team has for the expertise each member brings to the table. Of course, there are also times when we need to problem solve and brainstorm as a team. It’s in these scenarios where we collaborate and each member can bring their specific expertise to the table that collectively our output becomes much stronger. Look for opportunities to really give autonomy to your team and put trust in their expertise and capabilities.

Teamwork

“Success is best when it’s shared” is so fitting for our team. We want the company to be successful and to succeed as a team. When we achieve success, we realize that the result is driven by a team and not achieved by one individual.  When we face a challenge or need ideas, we work together to problem-solve and think things through.

Find unique ways to celebrate strong results as a team and to emphasize the importance team collaboration played in driving these great results.

Great communication

The best teams communicate effectively. We’ve found that great teamwork means communicating openly and honestly and being supportive of all team members. It’s so important to value what each person on the team has to say regardless of where they fall on the hierarchy.

Another key to strong communication is being an active listener. Don’t just hear, actually listen. Don’t think about your response while your teammate is speaking. Try to hear and comprehend what they are saying. In the end, great communication improves morale, productivity, and each person’s commitment.

Positivity Energy

People perform at their best when they feel good about their job and have the full support of their team. Our team thrives on positive feedback from other team members and as well as providing constructive feedback that helps other members grow. Look for ways to create a team environment full of positivity and support.

Recognize great work 

When great work happens, celebrate it! I always get a huge smile on my face when I see the “congrats” emails flying around from our team after the launch of a new product, marketing campaign, or a successful result. Our team members love to recognize people when someone truly goes above and beyond or when we achieve a successful result. And recognition doesn’t always need to be a monetary raise, promotion, or a tangible gift. Sometimes the best recognition is an ” awesome job” or “thank you” email or verbal message that can go a really long way to uplifting employees. Always look for opportunities to recognize and praise great work.

Have fun

Just because we are running a business, doesn’t mean we can’t have fun. We’re all busy but we make it a priority to connect socially and get to know each other and create team bonding moments. And we mix it up. We’ve done everything from helping our community by volunteering at food banks, hosting virtual cooking lessons and happy hours, and celebrating birthdays, baby showers, holidays, and more as a group.

It’s these experiences that help us get to know each other on a personal level and build a stronger connection.  Find ways to create fun bonding moments for your team to build strong relationships.

In the end, great teams that communicate and work together achieve great results and are happy employees. I continue to learn from my team each and every day and hope that everyone has the opportunity to genuinely enjoy working with a great group of people and team members.