communication and it’s how to get 700
people on the same page about what
we’re looking for.
What do you love about your job?
AMM: I love the fact that I get to work in
an environment where people come for a
vacation, so I come to a very happy place.
Outside of our offices, it’s really important
that we have that “on stage” persona all the
time because our guests are happy and we
want to keep them happy. So, if you smile,
that smile gets transferred. We’re all trying
to get the end result of making sure we are
creating family traditions for our guests,
one family at a time. We all work towards
that one common goal for our guests. And
when you have that, it’s an amazing place
to come to work.
What are the challenges you
experience in your job?
AMM: Having people who really want to
work here because they hear that it’s a lot
of fun. Then, they come to work and we
ask them to howl. Some people have a very
difficult time doing that and the challenge
is getting people to come out of their shell,
realizing it’s okay. And then realizing that
if they can’t do it, maybe it just isn’t the
right fit for them. You may be really good
but maybe just not in this environment.
Also, because we’re a waterpark, safety
is our number one focus. We have to find
the lifeguards, train them to the standards
that we need and make sure that
they are consistently at an excellent level
for safety.
What’s key to leading HR during a
difficult time for a client organization?
AMM: Communication. If you don’t have
communication, it’s like that old game of
telephone. If you’re not getting proper information
out, you won’t be successful.
What skills are important
for success in HR?
AMM: You’ve got to understand what
the business wants and what the business
needs. You have to be at the table and involved
in that strategic thinking process.
You have to be a leader of change and the
person who is successfully communicating.
You have to have credibility. Be ethical.
Your integrity needs to be second to none.
What tips do you have for new grads
or those in entry-level HR jobs who
want to move up the ladder?
AMM: I take in co-op students from
Niagara College and hire grads because
I love being the launching pad for them.
Here’s what I tell them: do what you say
you’re going to do. Finish what you start.
Don’t be that half circle – if you say you’re
going to do something, close that circle.
Be honest, challenge yourself and don’t be
afraid to make mistakes. And do not be
afraid to ask questions.
The HR field has been evolving.
What changes excite you the most?
AMM: I like the fact that HR is not
just a paper pusher anymore. We’re really
involved in the strategic aspect of the
business. Technology in HR, to me, is very
exciting. I’m old school but I love technology
and I’m excited about how easy it
makes our jobs. It’s shrinking our world
and yet it’s growing it at the same time.
What’s the future of HR?
AMM: I see it having a role where it’s
more about engaging with the people you
work with. It’s not like, “Oh my gosh, I got
called into HR,” back when it was like going
to the principal’s office. It’s not like that
anymore. We’re partners in making your
world successful. I think a lot of companies
are choosing to engage, rather than
dictate and turning HR professionals into
partners. I see it in health care, education
and the service industry when I speak to
my counterparts in our HR association. ■
hr influencer
In a Nutshell
First job: Working at the front
desk at the Holiday Inn in Sault Ste.
Marie, Ont.
Childhood ambition: A teacher
Best boss and why: My current
boss, Keith Simmonds, our vicepresident
and general manager, and
Perry Miele, my general manager at
the Holiday Inn. I think it’s because
they both set clear expectations for
me and they both have a high level
of integrity. With both, I feel recognized
and appreciated. I always feel
a sense of inclusion and that’s really
important to me.
Current source of inspiration:
Personally, my mom. Right
now, she’s struggling with an illness
and she’s 83 years old. She is
dealing with it with so much grace
and strength. She amazes me.
Professionally, watching our pack
members use the lodge as a launching
pad or making their careers
here. With either option, being able
to watch the growth that happens
followed by the excitement and celebration
we have when they are
successful.
Best piece of advice ever received:
Put your family first and
everything else will fall into place.
Favourite music: Country, even
before it was cool.
Last book read: Weology: How
Everyone Wins When We Comes
Before Me by Peter Aceto. It’s a
fast and awesome read. I got it and
I had all the directors read it. They
loved it.
“DON’T BE THAT HALF CIRCLE – IF YOU SAY YOU’RE GOING
TO DO SOMETHING, CLOSE THAT CIRCLE. BE HONEST,
CHALLENGE YOURSELF AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO MAKE
MISTAKES. AND DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS.”
– ANNE MARIE MALLEAU
54 ❚ SEPTEMBER 2016 ❚ HR PROFESSIONAL