Issue No. 14 | HR Lessons from Dolly Parton (Yes, Really)
Oh boy, do I love Dolly Parton!
I mean…how can you not!? Everything from her music to her personality to her style — all just chef’s kiss.
I could write an entire blog post on all the reasons I love Dolly Parton, and it would be looong.
But that’s not why we’re here today.
I often use Dolly as an example for my 8-year-old daughter when we talk about being yourself (she and I also have matching Dolly Parton t-shirts 😊). I really can’t think of a better role model for a young girl when it comes being unique and authentic.
But it dawned on me during my morning walk that small business owners and leaders can also look to Dolly for all kinds of lessons.
Dolly has built an impressive decades-long career, multiple businesses, a loyal team, and a legendary personal brand — without burning bridges, micromanaging, or losing her values. Which, if you’re a small business owner… is basically the dream.
So let’s talk about what HR and small businesses can learn from Dolly Parton (besides how to commit to a look and own it).
If your HR currently feels less “Dolly Parton” and more “working 9 to 5,” let’s talk.
1. Know Who You Are (and Who You’re Not)
Dolly lesson: She knows exactly who she is — and who she isn’t.
Dolly has never chased trends. She’s stayed grounded in kindness, generosity, and authenticity, and those values show up in everything she does — from her music to her business decisions.
Dolly’s clarity showed up early in her career. When Elvis wanted to record I Will Always Love You, she was advised to give up the rights — and she said no. Not because she wasn’t flattered, but because she knew the long-term value of owning her work.
That kind of self-awareness and confidence is what allows leaders to make decisions they won’t regret later.
What Dolly teaches us
When your company values are clear, policies and people decisions get a lot easier.
What behavior is acceptable?
How do we treat each other?
What won’t we tolerate?
If ‘fair’ feels like a moving target, that’s usually a sign your values may need some attention.
2. Kindness Is Not the Same as Being a Pushover
Dolly lesson: She’s warm, gracious, and famously kind….but there is NO doubt she’s in charge.
Dolly proves you can be compassionate and firm. She sets boundaries without being cold, and she addresses issues without humiliating people.
What Dolly teaches us
Being “nice” doesn’t mean avoiding hard conversations.
It means having them clearly, respectfully, and early — before resentment builds.
If your leadership style is “I’ll deal with it later,” Dolly would gently tell you: later usually costs more.
3. Own Your Brand (So Your Team Knows What You Stand For)
Dolly lesson: She built one of the strongest personal brands in the world by being unapologetically herself. Honestly, the fact that she is so genuine and authentic is probably my favourite things about her.
She even leaned into assumptions people made about her. Songs like Dumb Blonde weren’t accidental — they were intentional. Dolly was in on the joke, and she controlled the narrative before anyone else could.
Dolly knows who she is, what she stands for, and she doesn’t waver — and that clarity is part of what makes her unforgettable. From her music to her public persona, everything she does is consistent, intentional, and unmistakably “Dolly.”
What Dolly teaches us
Your company already has a culture — even if you’ve never officially named it. And if employees aren’t clear on what you stand for, they’ll fill in the blanks themselves. You can cross your fingers your team gets it right or you can be intentional about your brand — your values, your expectations, your way of working.
Think of it this way: you don’t need rhinestones (though, let’s be honest, they do help). You just need to show up consistently, clearly, and unapologetically — just like Dolly.
No. 4 | Lead With Empathy — Even When You’re Successful
Dolly lesson: She never forgets where she came from.
From the Imagination Library to how she talks about her upbringing, Dolly leads with empathy and humility, even at the very top of her game. I mean, there’s no arguing she’s reached icon status, and she’s still very relatable, down-to-earth, and approachable (in head-to-toe rhinestones, of course)
What Dolly teaches us
Good leaders remember what it feels like to be new, unsure, and overwhelmed. They know that behind every missed deadline, every question, and every mistake is a human being doing their best — and that’s worth supporting.
A little understanding goes a long way: a quick check-in, a thoughtful “how’s it going?” or just creating space for questions can make your team feel valued, capable, and motivated to grow.
No. 5 | Give the Gift of Learning (Like Dolly Does)
Dolly lesson: Dolly doesn’t just talk about the importance of education — she funds it.
Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Dolly has gifted millions of free books to children around the world because she believes access to education can change lives. Their mission? To inspire children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More, Be More.
What Dolly teaches us
Investing in education for your team on an ongoing basis (not just a one-and-done event exclusively for new hires) is a win-win for everyone. Supporting learning doesn’t have to mean expensive programs or formal courses. Sometimes it’s as simple as a coaching conversation or sharing your knowledge over a small “lunch and learn”.
Dolly’s success was no accident. She knew who she was. She set boundaries. She treated people well. She invested in learning. And she made smart, intentional business decisions — even when they weren’t the obvious or popular ones.
You don’t need to run your business like a country music empire — but a little Dolly-inspired leadership can go a long way.
Clear expectations. Kind boundaries. Real respect.
That’s good HR. And great business.
And Dolly, if you’re reading and ever need an HR consultant, I’m available🦋