We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lorraine Kingcannon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lorraine, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

In the project management landscape, the industry often relies on a one-size-fits-all model, emphasizing traditional methods and the triple constraints of scope, time, and cost. However, in my role as Chief Project Officer, I’ve observed that projects are no longer cookie-cutter and demand a more nuanced approach. Moving beyond theoretical frameworks, we embrace a practical mindset, understanding that theory and practice can sometimes diverge.

One of our key differentiators is our integration of traditional methods with agile SCRUM, allowing us to adapt to the dynamic nature of modern projects. But it goes beyond that; we approach projects through three interconnected domains: foundation, people, and creation. Starting with the foundation domain, inspired by Simon Sinek’s ‘Start with Why,’ we ensure that every project is grounded in a compelling purpose. This unique methodology has not only increased our project success rates but has also fostered a culture of innovation and adaptability within our teams.

Lorraine, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Glamm Starr LLC, began our journey as trailblazers in the entertainment sector, specializing in top-notch public relations services. Our evolution, however, tells a deeper story. In the throes of the COVID-19 upheaval, we faced the stark reality of limited resources and tough choices, a pivotal moment that sparked a transformation.

Now, we’re not just service providers; we’re architects of success for entrepreneurs and small businesses navigating the complexities of project management. Our mission is clear: to redefine project success. It’s more than meeting deadlines and staying within budget; it’s about creating value, mitigating risks, and ensuring sustainability that translates to tangible benefits. We believe in dedication, recognition, and alignment as the keystones of true engagement, giving businesses the competitive edge, they deserve.

What sets us apart is our commitment to tailoring projects through our innovative three-domain approach. We take pride in our resilience, having weathered the storm of a decade, emerging not only debt-free but with a unique ability to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses. Our services go beyond generating cash flow; they foster vibrant work cultures and cultivate happy customers. At Glamm Starr, success is not just a destination; it’s a journey we craft uniquely for each client, ensuring they not only survive but thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape.”

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

As the Chief Project Manager at Glamm Starr LLC, maintaining high team morale is not just a goal; it’s a strategic imperative. Here are some insights I’ve gathered through my experience:

1. Clear Communication: Transparency is the bedrock of any successful team. Regularly communicate project goals, progress, and challenges. Ensure that team members feel informed and part of the decision-making process. Our 15-minute daily meetings keep everyone on the same page.

2. Recognition and Appreciation: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, both big and small. Recognition boosts morale and reinforces the value of each team member. A culture of appreciation goes a long way in creating a positive work environment. Our team likes it when they get appreciated with Rangers tickets for themselves and a family member, or music concert tickets.

3. Empowerment Through Ownership: Encourage team members to take ownership of their tasks and projects. Empowerment fosters a sense of responsibility and pride in the work they do. When people feel their contributions matter, morale naturally rises. As a project leader, to foster ownership, I remind the project team to add their role in the project to their personal resume.

4. Professional Development Opportunities: Provide avenues for skill development and career growth. Investing in your team’s professional advancement not only enhances their capabilities but also demonstrates your commitment to their success. As a small business this may not fit into the budget; however, take advantage of free platforms like Coursera, or free classes at the local library.

5. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Recognize the importance of work-life balance. Strive to create a flexible work environment that accommodates personal needs. This not only contributes to job satisfaction but also enhances overall morale. Burnt-out teams rarely perform well, so we avoid overtime and encourage family time.

6. Team Building Activities: Foster a sense of camaraderie through team-building activities. Whether virtual or in-person, these activities strengthen bonds and create a positive team culture. Something I like to use as a means of team building is called a team charter. We craft it as a team at the start of new projects and have everyone sign it as a symbol of commitment.

7. Open Door Policy: Maintain an open-door policy where team members feel comfortable expressing concerns, ideas, or feedback. Addressing issues promptly and transparently builds trust and contributes to a healthy team dynamic. When I was a corporate employee, working in an environment that wasn’t siloed truly helped me grow because I could reach out to leadership anytime I needed.

8. Lead by Example: Exhibit the qualities you wish to see in your team. Demonstrating a strong work ethic, resilience, and a positive attitude sets the tone for the entire team. My aunt Marti is the person that I look up to in this area, she has been my role model in demonstrating how to “Lead by Example.”

Remember, high morale is not just a byproduct; it’s a reflection of a well-nurtured and empowered team. By fostering an environment of trust, recognition, and continuous growth, you pave the way for not just project success but also the success and well-being of your team members.”

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

In the journey of Glamm Starr LLC, we’ve encountered a couple of close calls that taught us invaluable lessons. One notable incident involved a trusted individual volunteering for a charity event sponsored by Glamm Starr. Unbeknownst to us, this person had been laid off from a temporary position without unemployment benefits. After the event, they filed for unemployment using Glamm Starr, triggering a three-month audit to ensure we weren’t liable. Fortunately, the audit ruled in our favor, but it prompted a critical shift in our approach. We engaged legal counsel to meticulously review all volunteer and employment paperwork, ensuring such situations were averted in the future.

Another close call emerged when we overlooked filing Texas Franchise taxes in our inaugural business year. Despite not generating income, Texas regulations mandated reporting, and our oversight led to the temporary revocation of our ability to do business in the state. This served as a wake-up call, prompting us to collaborate with a business tax preparer to ensure compliance moving forward. Both experiences underscored the importance of proactive legal measures and thorough financial oversight in safeguarding the business against unexpected challenges.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://glammstarr.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/llcglammstarr
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/glammstarrllc

Image Credits
G BADEBO