Mentors Share Words of Wisdom at Leadership Forum
What does it take to be a great leader? Attendees from the last month’s Leadership Forum spent three days trying to answer that question. Each attendee was assigned to a peer group led by a mentor who facilitated discussions using the questions from the book First Break All the Rules. Over the course of the three day session each mentor shared advice that helped shaped them into the leaders they are today. Check out what each mentor had to say…
Jim Bartolotta (Air Comfort): “We all have bad days and it’s hard to not let it get to you, but you have to reflect on how people around you perceive not only your words, but your body language, gestures, etc. Several years ago I had someone come into my office and ask, ‘What’s wrong? Are you quitting? We have all been talking about it. You walk in and are not your normal self.’ I was blown away that my 30 second walk from the door to my office was noticed and was having an impact on them. I’ll never forget that. When we do things people are watching. Everything you do is noticed and it may not give the message you want. You’re on stage every day.”
Sam De Angelis (CCM): “Take a humble approach by working with people and leading them. I never introduce myself as the owner, unless someone asks for my title. I always say that we work alongside 32 people. We've had customers who didn’t know I was the owner until years later.”
Steve Harvey (Soefker Services): “I went mountain climbing and thought I was ready, but I wasn’t. I got to a certain point and I couldn’t get any further. I got mountain sickness. My guide told me that I wasn’t ready and had to go back down. I was disappointed, but I put in the time and work to do all the things I needed to do to get up that mountain and the next time I went I made it to the top. You can’t just jump to the top. You have to put the work in and build the foundation first.
Mike Houghton (Dowling Corporation): “Align yourself with your company’s goals and objectives. Sit down with your supervisor and say you’d like to spend a few minutes gaining alignment with them about what is expected of you in the role you are in. Ask about the results they are looking for and summarize those into items you can measure. If you can do that your ability to excel at what you do will be enormous and you will succeed every day.”
Kevin Almon (Vital Mechanical): “In the wild-wild west; if you became sheriff, everyone knew that you had the big star badge; everyone knew that you carried a big gun and everyone knew you can shoot them or lock them up! Likewise when you become someone of authority, and you have the big sheriff star, big gun and keys to the cell... You don’t need to tell employees that you will fire them, you don’t need to kid that you will dock their pay, or laugh that they can be replaced. You don’t need to joke about an employee’s employment or what you can do to them; it’s not funny to them. When you are the Sherriff, pull the gun only when you intend to fire someone, when you pull the gun, NEVER, NEVER try to stuff the bullet back into the barrel because the injury is done. Don’t spin your gun on your finger, don’t boast or kid that you are going to lock them up or demote someone with a smile on your face... It's too real and not funny to everyone who is not a Sherriff. Like a wild-wild west sheriff, hold true to your convictions, walk proud in the street, people will see the big shinny star (title) and the big gun (authority) and will respect you and obey the laws and rules. Lesson - never threaten or misuse authority for personal satisfaction."
Marty Rosica (Hawks and Company): “When I sold my first service agreement I remember the owner making a big deal about it even though it wasn’t a huge amount. That encouragement and recognition was great and I couldn’t wait to get back out there and start selling. It’s important to celebrate and recognize successes and wins – even the small ones!”