Years ago, when we wrote our vision statement for Kocina Marketing Companies, we felt strongly that we should include our philosophy that God gave us all unique talents and gifts, and that we have an obligation to use those gifts.
So back in 2004 when one of our managers suggested that we read Now Discover Your Strengths by Buckingham and Clifton in our employee book club, it seemed like a perfect fit.
The book encourages employers to assess workers by their strengths, and not to waste time or energy trying to fix weaknesses. The philosophy has brought new focus to our entire management style.
Everyone in the company took the book’s online assessment. We each posted our top 5 strengths for everyone to see. The lists are daily reminders of each of our talents. Every new hire also takes the strengths assessment. It’s a great way for all of us to immediately appreciate what this new person may add to our company.
As a manager, these lists help me to understand the unique personalities in each of my employees. I’ve learned to appreciate them differently.
As a result, we assign tasks differently. Instead of annual reviews, where we would typically talk about what areas the person needs to improve, we now have goal meetings where we discuss how we can capitalize on each person’s unique God-given talents.
When people work within their strengths they enjoy what they do. And because of that they end up doing a great job. This becomes a Win Win Win: a win for the company, a win for the employee and a win for our clients.
Robin Kocina is a proven marketing industry leader who has been instrumental in growing Media Relations Agency, a top performance-based PR agency, from its inception in 1987 to its current status as a successful integrated marketing agency with international clientele and multi-million dollar revenues.
As President, Kocina now concentrates her efforts on the agency’s direction and fiscal growth, as well as new business development in the company’s Minnesota and Florida offices. Kocina’s financial acumen is evidenced by her recognition as a Top Women in Finance Circle of Excellence (Finance & Commerce, 2013) as well as Top Women in Finance (Finance & Commerce, 2010).
A highly regarded community leader, Kocina believes strongly in sharing her marketing and leadership skills through community service. She served as chairman of the board for Depart Smart. She also serves on the Leadership Board for the National Federation of Independent Business, and actively involved with the Women’s Presidents Organization. She is a past board member and Chairman of the Board for WomenVenture.
Robin is the recipient of numerous honors for her leadership and community involvement: Inductee into the Women Business Owners Hall of Fame (2018); Exceptional Businesswoman Award (2016); Volunteer of the Year (Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, 2010); 25 Women to Watch (Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, 2008); Upsize Lifeline Award (Upsize Magazine, 2008); Standing Ovation Award (Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine, 2006) and Luminary Award (National Association of Women Business Owners, Minnesota Chapter, 2005).
