Pulse Legacy Archive September 2012 | Page 4

FROM THE CHAIRMAN

T

his edition of Pulse is all about “Partnerships”—and you’ve got some
great reading ahead. This got me thinking about partnerships in
general and how crucial they are in all aspects of our lives, especially
at work. I know you’ve all heard the phrases, “manage up” and

“manage down” but I prefer the more accurate terms “partner up,” “partner
down”—and “partner sideways.” I’ve discovered you can’t truly “manage”
anyone and you can’t achieve anything without successful partnerships.
Partnering up recognizes the importance of building a strong relationship
with your immediate boss and, if possible, his or her immediate boss. These are
the people who provide you with resources to accomplish your goals and establish and prioritize those goals. Needless to say, it’s critical to know how to
effectively communicate up the chain of command. Seek regular feedback, ask
questions, don’t make assumptions and correct your course as you learn from
your mistakes.
Partnering down is essential to the accomplishment of your goals because
this partnership involves employees who make things happen. Be present in the
workplace. It’s not enough to say you have an open door. You’ve got to get away
from the office and understand what’s happening from the ground up. Empower
employees, involve them in setting your goals, and keep them in the loop about
where things stand. Above all, consistently demonstrate genuine care and atten-

PHOTO © TIFFANY BROWN

tiveness so that you can help people reach their fullest potential.
Partnering sideways recognizes how critical it is to develop partnerships with
others in your company or community at the same level as you. These friendships and networks provide support, challenge you to get better and provide
avenues for you to mentor colleagues in a way that gives more meaning to your
professional life. ISPA is a perfect example of effective sideways partnership. It is
through our association that spa professionals get to know each other, learn,
teach, laugh, cry and become lifelong friends and partners. I hope to see you all
at Conference this year to continue these partnerships and develop lots of new
ones. See you in Florida!

—ELLA STIMPSON, ISPA CHAIRMAN
®

2012 ISPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS

DIRECTORS

CHAIRMAN
Ella Stimpson
Wynn and Encore Las Vegas

Sharilyn Abbajay
Abbajay Collection, LLC

VICE CHAIRMAN
Michael Tompkins
Miraval Resort & Spa

Sean Handler
Boyne Resorts/ Solace Spa
Thor Holm
Hammock Beach Resort

SECRETARY/TREASURER
Todd Walter
Red Door Spas

2 PULSE

■

September 2012

Jeff Kohl
ISPA Foundation President

Philippe Therene
SpaEquip

Frank Pitsikalis
ResortSuite

Immediate Past Chair
Deborah Waldvogel
Sedona Resorts

Paul Schmidt
The Fairmont
Southampton-Willow
Stream Spa

Lynne McNees
ISPA President

MEDICAL ADVISOR
Dr. Brent Bauer, MD
Mayo Clinic