Many years ago, early into my career at my former company, we took a trip to a home improvement company that supposedly had "it all figured out". My boss, the sales manager, and I flew to Connecticut to learn from the big boys.
When I arrived, it was not what I expected, but I truly did learn one of the greatest leadership lessons of my entire career.
This company in fact DID NOT have it all figured out, but there was one bright spot, and that was the Canvass Manager I was there to shadow.
It was extremely clear after just a couple of hours, was this company was surviving almost completely on this 40-person canvassing department.
The leader was a former Marine Sergeant, and he was kind enough to share his process with me of how he coached, held people accountable and held positive and negative counsel with all his employees. He had a process of pat, pat, kick. This was all new to me, but I observed and made many mental notes.
When it was time to go out in the field, it was pouring down rain. I said to the Canvass Leader, "Are we going out in field with the team, since it's raining?"
He looked at me like I had 2 heads, and said "WELL OF COURSE WE ARE! THERE IS NO MORE IMPORTANT OF A DAY TO BE OUT THERE SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH MY GUYS, THEN WHEN THE CONDITONS ARE LIKE THIS!! WHAT KIND OF LEADER WOULD I BE IF I ASKED THEM TO TRUDGE THROUGH THE RAIN AND MUD BUT I'M SITTING IN THE WARM COMFY VEHICLE??"
At that moment, I understood 100% to how he built a 40 person canvassing department. I understood 100% why they were smashing numbers, and I understood why the canvass department was carrying the company.
He was the only leader there who demonstrated this type of servant leadership. I left with a whole new perspective. This was over 10 years ago, and it impacted me so greatly, I still remember it like it was yesterday.
I am sure he has no idea the impact this visit had, but I am truly grateful for the lessons he taught me in this area. I owe much of my success in my career to learning to lead like Todd.
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2wWelcome aboard Len! We are thrilled to have you on the Scion Team!