A great leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. ~John Maxwell Once, I thought I was a really good leader. Then, unexpectedly I found myself having to layoff almost half of my department’s employees. That day, I decided to take control of my leadership skills, because knowing how to lead people keeps me and my staff working. It also keeps my customers happy. So, I tried being a better listener and...
“Don’t go through life, grow through life.” - Eric Butterworth A long time ago, when I graduated from college, I had some innocent views of what leadership looks like. Until one day, I was put in charge of leading a group of hourly employees who were more knowledgeable than me and really didn’t care much for my title or my leadership style. Because I needed results from my team, and a job, I tried to become a cool,...
“The paths to the future are not found but made, and the activity of making them changes both the maker and the destination.” ~ John Schaar I am thrilled to open this opportunity up to you and your leaders. On March 7, 2023, in Fayetteville, Georgia, I will lead a one-day, very unique GROW 2023 Leadership Conference and I truly hope you will consider coming. Why Fayetteville, Georgia, just 20 minutes south of the Atlanta airport? It is...
“Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.” ~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr. Last week I got to spend some personal growth time with a group of facilities leaders in Florida. A big topic was leadership and how to grow those around you. Most people agreed it is important to provide training...
The Sequoia tree is the largest tree grown in the world. The Redwoods may be taller, but in over-all size, the Sequoia is king. I am anticipating the day I see these magnificent wonders in California. Recently I was reading about the unusual black burn marks on the base of each tree. Fire helps the tree grow. With a 21” thick bark, the tree can withstand extremely hot temperatures, and it not only survives, but it...
“You always hear about delegation, but people make the mistake of delegating and not following up. I give authority, but I stay in touch. Otherwise it doesn't work.” ~Wayne Huizenga The success of our industry, depends on two things: 1. That we have well prepared leaders in the field and, 2. That we are brave enough and smart enough to delegate to them. Delegating is difficult for most driven leaders and yet it is the ability to...
It is said that most industries are made up of 80% bosses, but only 20% are leaders. This may be why so many industries struggle for they are perceived as non-professional and lose so many good people. A boss, a manager and a leader title may not matter in your organization, but the style you use to lead does matter. I am keeping it brief here. I have been called all 3 titles at some point in...
Using kindness when you let someone go or if they quit historically increases their chances of returning to you once they have matured and figured out life. The leader’s approach to someone leaving will determine if the company is building up a reserve of employees who want to return even after they quit for greener pastures. Be as kind to them when they leave as you were when you hired them, and they may return with a better...
“Stamping out fires is a lot of fun, but it is only putting things back the way they were.” ~W. Edwards Deming, American Engineer We are two weeks into 2023. Have you taken a moment to examine any lessons you may have learned in 2022? For instance, what did 2022 teach you about your people? Any drama among your employees on the ground? Were there moments when you wished your leaders were stronger and better able to problem...
Managing Gen Z Workers Recently, I got a question about managing 21–23-year-old workers who are in the habit of staying connected to their mobile phones 24/7. Gen Z (or Post-Millennials as some call them) started entering the workforce in greater numbers in 2022. Born after 1996, this generation will make up over 1/3 of the workforce in the next 8 years. Right now, it is not uncommon to have as many as 5 generations working together. How...