Leadership is more than approaching life with a gavel in one hand and a rule book in the other. “It’s discovering the best in yourself first so you can then bring out the best in others,” defined Clifton Pieters, president, Company Prophets, Fairview, Ore.
In a presentation at the Green Industry Expo on Nov. 15, Pieters asked contractors, “What is your next leadership step?” An environment that grows strong leaders will allow employees to pursue their progressions at the company – workplaces that are fun, challenging, flexible, open to new ideas, conducive to learning and tolerant of mistakes.
Armed with a series of acronyms, Pieters offered these suggestions for building a leadership-friendly environment:
PVSBGPA. Or, purpose, vision, self-identity, beliefs, goals, potentials and actions.
Purpose – Connect what you do on a day-to-day basis to a greater cause.
Vision – “To get there, be there now.” Think about your goals.
Self-Identity – What are your strengths and weaknesses? What roles do you play in the company and how can you help others?
Beliefs – Make a compelling and strong argument for your potential.
Goals – Sustain high levels of inspiration – hold high levels of energy.
Potentials – Tap into your capabilities.
Actions – When your actions are guided by your purpose, then you can live a life you are in love with every single day.
Training Techniques.
Be a model C.O.A.C.H.:
C – compassion
O – outstanding
A – action
C – connection
H – high-five
Learn to deal with crises with a S.W.A.T. T.E.A.M.:
S – self
W – win
A – data
T – take immediate action
T – team problem solve
E – educate
A – announce, communicate
M - monitor
Consider this eight-step training model:
1. Clearly define standards and expectation for success.
2. Know the level of capability of your students.
3. Create an environment conducive to learning.
4. Tell people what you are going to do – verbally walk them through the steps.
5. Show your employees – model for them.
6. Invite employees to do the activity under your guidance. Make sure your trainees connect with the information.
7. Explain. Have employees do the activity and then explain to you what they are doing to reinforce the process.
8. Reinforce every increment of progress and improvement. “That which gets rewarded gets repeated.”
The author is a Contributing Editor to Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at khampshire@lawnandlandscape.com.