Lindsey Bradley – Senior HR Manager at Winnebago Towables and Education Task Force Member
Lindsey considers how she treats others to be the most inspirational thing about herself: she is a very empathetic person and has always cared about others’ feelings. She makes a point to personally acknowledge milestones, both big and small. Whether it’s a birth or completing a project, she wants them to know that their good work and actions have not gone unnoticed. She makes time to listen to her team members: whether it’s about work-related challenges or personal ones, she wants them to feel comfortable knowing their voice is heard and they have an ally at work.
Reflecting on her early years in HR, Lindsey recalls how challenging it was to have difficult conversations with employees. At the time, those discussions felt uncomfortable and she would often try to avoid them whenever possible. However, as she gained more experience, she realized the power of building meaningful relationships. Over time, she found that investing in these connections made those tough conversations much easier to navigate. She came to understand that when employees trust me and know that her intent is to support them, they are more open to receiving constructive feedback to learn and grown from. Looking back, Lindsey wishes she had learned this earlier in her career as it has made all the difference. She now enjoys being in a mentor role where she can help others who may have similar struggles that she experienced in the past and can use as inspiration for finding a more successful outcome.
Her hidden talent?
Her ability to meet people where they are a become someone they can rely upon. She says that one of the most rewarding aspects of her career has been developing strong, trust-based relationships with employees to become someone they can rely on. Getting to know employees beyond their professional roles and understanding who they are outside of work is essential. Lindsey believes that when employees feel valued as individuals, they are more motivated, engaged, and productive: it is imperative to her that nobody feels like just another number in the organization.
Her words to live by?
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller