"How a Former Coach Influenced My Leadership Strategy" featuring CHRO, Tara Kraber.

I am thrilled to introduce Tara Kraber, Chief Human Resources Officer at Tower Hill Insurance Group. Tara's distinctive leadership style began evolving long before her professional journey took off. Today, she graciously imparts a core set of leadership principles that have contributed to her success in this newest edition of the IRON HRO newsletter.

Amanda: Reflecting on your journey to success, can you pinpoint a key set of values or practices that have played a pivotal role in shaping your accomplishments?

Tara: I recently learned that my high school cheerleading coach had passed away. Not only was she an amazing individual and coach, but she was also a loving mom. Her influence on me was profound, and her coaching style left a lasting impression.

She inspired us with her unwavering positivity and spirit, while also providing candid feedback when we needed to push ourselves further. She was a compassionate listener, always ready to offer a comforting hug when it was necessary. The valuable insights I gained from her, along with my experiences under a skilled coach who can build high-performing teams, have not only contributed to my personal success but also encompass universal principles that can benefit anyone in a leadership role.

Without an impactful and progressive mentor like my high school cheerleading coach, I probably would not be in the seat I am today. When I think about my success, it has been achieved by surrounding myself with great mentors and equally great teams. To be the best possible leader and a coach, I focus on these key areas:

• Strengths – play upon your team’s individual strengths and draw an appreciation for what each team member can bring. If you are missing a strength, hire that strength. Stretch your current team in areas that need more development.
• Relationships – build relationships with your team, building cohesion and comradery will contribute to the organization’s success and overall happiness.
• Purpose – bringing teams together with a common goal or purpose is key to making decisions. Purpose-driven teams are more motivated and aligned.
• Adaptability – things don’t always go the way you think it will. Be flexible and support the team in overcoming any anxiety that may cause resistance.
• Happiness – one of my favorite entrepreneurs was Tony Hsieh. I firmly believe you need to create an environment of psychological safety to bring out the best in your teams. Happiness at work fosters creativity and commitment, which directly impacts team performance and, by extension, organizational success.

The CHRO's role is instrumental in shaping a company's culture, promoting employee engagement, and having a solid team that supports the company’s overall profitable growth strategy. It is a privilege to carry on my former coaches legacy through these important leadership principles. ##

Tara's favorite quotes:

• “You can't stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf. ” - Jon Kabat-Zinn
• “Leaders will be those who empower others." - Bill Gates
• “Studies find the top 3 most stressful moments in people's lives: death, divorce, and properly pronouncing Worcestershire sauce." - Tony Hsieh

Interested in being featured? If you're passionate about fostering growth within the HR community and helping professionals reach their full potential, I invite you to share your expertise through IRON HRO. Your involvement would not only enrich the lives of those who read the newsletter but also contribute to the collective growth of our industry. Message me to coordinate.