June 2025 Board Member Newsletter Article
“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” – Dolly Parton.
Christine Fenner
President
Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce
I was recently invited to serve as a mentor for a new chamber executive. In thinking about the most valuable advice I could pass on, it came down to two simple (yet not always easy) suggestions.
- Follow your mission.
- Know yourself.
As chamber leaders, we’re constantly pulled in multiple directions. However, it’s the mission of our organization that keeps us focused and moving on the right path.
What Does the Chamber Do Anyway?
Sometimes it can be challenging to distinguish the work we do. Oftentimes we’re really good at promoting our members, and don’t always set aside time to showcase our own successes. On any given day, we might be: planning events or luncheons, hosting a ribbon cutting for a new business, advocating for policy improvements, training a new staff member, updating members on local construction, or answering emails at all hours. These tasks are important, but not our main purpose. Our purpose involves connecting, supporting, and growing our businesses and helping our community to thrive.
Blocking Time for What Matters
The daily grind can take over. I now intentionally block off time on my calendar for what we really want to accomplish, even if it’s not always urgent. Operational tasks like responding to emails and fi nances matter, but so does keeping our team inspired, building relationships, and telling our story. Those things keep our mission moving forward.
“Be the Unicorn”
I’m currently listening to the book, “Be the Unicorn” by William Vanderbloemen. The author says, “Unicorns don’t try to be everything to everyone. They know their value, and they lead from it.” The book is about leadership habits and understanding your strengths to better your career and personal life. Self-aware people take feedback well, work with others who balance them out, and make decisions quickly by trusting their instincts. It’s also about staying grounded in who you are while planning ahead and being open to change. The book also quotes Dolly Parton on being confident and self-aware, and is someone who I see to be an icon and deeply genuine about her purpose.
Mission: NOT Impossible
Finally, make time for fun and simple team tasks. Last week, our team collaborated to make a short reel with the “mission” to get to the downtown movie theater, one stunt at a time. We did not let barriers (construction) stop our mission! Check out the reel on Instagram.
We are constantly called in multiple directions and leadership is about constant choosing. The urgent work is important, but it’s the mission-based work that matters most. Know your strengths and make your Mission: Possible!