Pigs and Pearls
Pigs and Pearls
By Cindy Hoye, Executive Director, Indiana State Fair Commission
I’ve collected many pearls of wisdom throughout my time at the great Indiana State Fair. It’s an ongoing collection and one that will continue growing over a lifetime. When asked to share my thoughts on leadership, I pull many lessons, or “pearls,” from our big event. So, I’ve affectionately titled my conversation on leadership, “Pigs and Pearls.”
Living life as a “plow horse” instead of a “show horse”
I believe life is far more rewarding when you dig in, rather than stand on the sidelines watching. As the leader of this organization, there’s nothing I ask of my team that I wouldn’t be willing to do myself.
I believe life is far more rewarding when you dig in, rather than stand on the sidelines watching. As the leader of this organization, there’s nothing I ask of my team that I wouldn’t be willing to do myself.
Make Lemons into Lemonade Shake-ups
Attitude is contagious and an attitude that focuses on solutions and positive outcomes drives the culture of your team. We make the most of our challenges and learn from them to become wiser, better and stronger for the future. I believe you hire attitude first.
Attitude is contagious and an attitude that focuses on solutions and positive outcomes drives the culture of your team. We make the most of our challenges and learn from them to become wiser, better and stronger for the future. I believe you hire attitude first.
Saddle your own horse
Connie Reeves, who was inducted into the Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame at age 95, credits her success to being accountable to herself. It’s being able to look yourself in the mirror at night and know you are part of the team, not above the team. Yes, you work with your team to form the vision and provide the leadership, but you personally set the tone. During the fair, you’ll see me picking up pieces of trash, taking tickets, directing traffic…whatever it takes.
Connie Reeves, who was inducted into the Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame at age 95, credits her success to being accountable to herself. It’s being able to look yourself in the mirror at night and know you are part of the team, not above the team. Yes, you work with your team to form the vision and provide the leadership, but you personally set the tone. During the fair, you’ll see me picking up pieces of trash, taking tickets, directing traffic…whatever it takes.
Infect others
Not literally, but figuratively. Let your humor, laughter, emotions, enthusiasm and most importantly your passion standout.
Walk around the Fairgrounds
As a country, we are spending less time connecting with our environment. We tend to stay inside instead of enjoying the outdoors. As a result, our children are less connected with agriculture and nature. We need to let our children get their hands dirty. Let our teams experience a breath of fresh air and, as I like to say to my co-works, let’s take a walk. Taking a stroll clears your head and gives you a new vision!
Not literally, but figuratively. Let your humor, laughter, emotions, enthusiasm and most importantly your passion standout.
Walk around the Fairgrounds
As a country, we are spending less time connecting with our environment. We tend to stay inside instead of enjoying the outdoors. As a result, our children are less connected with agriculture and nature. We need to let our children get their hands dirty. Let our teams experience a breath of fresh air and, as I like to say to my co-works, let’s take a walk. Taking a stroll clears your head and gives you a new vision!
The Grand Champions
You are only as successful as the people with whom you are surrounded. Find the best, nurture their talents and develop them into the Grand Champions of your organization. It’s not about you, but what you develop in others that makes you successful.
You are only as successful as the people with whom you are surrounded. Find the best, nurture their talents and develop them into the Grand Champions of your organization. It’s not about you, but what you develop in others that makes you successful.
Leadership on the Fly
Finally, your leadership qualities are defined by quick decision making. Trust that you have provided your team with enough knowledge and resources to make good decision quickly and effectively. Providing personal and professional development opportunities will help your team members become better leaders in the future.
Finally, your leadership qualities are defined by quick decision making. Trust that you have provided your team with enough knowledge and resources to make good decision quickly and effectively. Providing personal and professional development opportunities will help your team members become better leaders in the future.
Cindy Hoye is the Executive Director of the Indiana State Fair Commission, which oversees operations of the nationally renowned Indiana State Fair and the year-round activities of the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Under Cindy’s leadership, the State Fairgrounds has seen a series of enhancements that has streamlined business operations; improved customer and employee safety; upgraded facilities; and created year-round educational opportunities. In addition, she led an unprecedented series of special events for the 150th anniversary of the Indiana State Fair; created the featured commodity celebration with international recognition during the Fair, added dramatic and lasting legacy projects on the campus, advanced a partnership with Indiana Economic Development to annually highlight a country, and provided leadership to change the fair’s format to mitigate school overlap with 4-H competitions. Cindy is a national leader in the fair industry, recently serving as Chair of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) and is a recipient of the Certified Fair Executive Award. Cindy became hooked on the Fair business as a 4-H member, working for the Texas State Fair as an intern, the Ozaukee County Fair in Wisconsin as a 4-H Extension Agent and the special events director for the Wisconsin State Fair. She was Indiana State Fair marketing director prior to becoming the Executive Director.
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