Momentum
The word momentum isn’t used very often by the service industry. But this week I was a small part of an exciting Leader 2 Leader session with two separate groups of landscape employees. The meat of the class was watching a video on Momentum, and we discussed what momentum is, why it is important, and how to make it or lose it in the workplace.
For a group of landscapers, momentum, or the strength of force, is a result of motivation, excitement, and engagement, resulting in high productivity. One of the team members said, “When we are planting seasonal color, we have momentum.” He went on, “We get into the planting mood. We focus and create a planting system where one person is prepping the plants; one person is placing them next to the hole and another person is planting them. We are very efficient and systemized.”
Once the system is established, the rhythm of work maintains itself until outside forces interfere, like the weather, special events, or unexpected interruptions, all of which are momentum breakers. Just like in football, when the offense fumbles the ball, they lose their momentum with a turnover.
Leaders have a tremendous role in creating, sustaining, and increasing momentum. They set the temperature of the room, just like a thermostat. Leaders who are positive, honest, optimistic, and forward looking keep the group confident and moving ahead. Interference is not the problem, it’s how we react to it. When interference does occur, great leaders have a plan B; they demonstrate the ability and agility to pivot and keep moving, re-establishing a productive rhythm that often increases productivity and recaptures the momentum.
“While a good leader sustains momentum, a great leader increases it.”
~John C. Maxwell
Keep the leadership momentum going,
Jeff
