Managing the Next Generation - Key Takeaways

by: Neal Glatt

"Everything Rises and Falls on Leadership" - John Maxwell

I've learned the meaning of this quote more than most over my career growing a snow and ice management company from a single pick-up in 2010 to a $42+ Million organization by 2017.  Having managed thousands of employees and subcontractors, I can tell you first hand that the ability to lead is what makes and breaks organizations.  I was so bad at leadership that at the lowest point in my leadership journey, my team went to my boss and said, "Either Neal goes or we go."  Clearly, I needed to improve.

This began my search for answers.  I knew leadership mattered.  In fact, Gallup reports that at least 70% of an employee's engagement, the degree to which an employee is committed to, involved in, and enthusiatstic about their work and workplace, is based on the employee's manager.  But leadership remained a frustratingly absract concept without a clear path.

That changed when I discovered John Maxwell's book "The 5 Levels of Leadership".  For the first time, I could clearly articulate various levels of leadership maturity and understand how to advance.  This was so impactful in my career and life that I became certified as a speaker, trainer, and coach by the John Maxwell Team to be able to teach great leadership to others.

You see, I believe we can change the world.  If we all build better workplaces and provide great jobs, we will increase economic prosperity and enable better lives.  If we increase our leadership ability, we can become developers of other leaders who will do the same.  If we all work together, we can realize multiplication of improvement and do real good on a massive scale. I'm honored that you'll play a role in this movement.  Read on below to learn the 5 levels of leadership and start your journey today.

To help you start this process, I'd like to share with you GrowTheBench, a new resource that provides online education specifically for the development of managers in the landscape and snow industry.  Simply visit ISAOntario.GrowTheBench.com and use the code ISAOntario by March 31, 2019 to receive a free month of all-access pass.  Continuing development and coaching of employees has never been easier and this valuable tool will help equip you to win the coming talent war!

Level 1: Position

People Follow You Because They Have To

Upsides:

You Have Potential

You Have Been Invited to Grow

You Can Define and Shape Your Leadership

Downsides:

It Conveys More Than It Delivers

Relying On Position Often Means Devaluing People

Positional Leaders Receive People’s Worst, Not Their Best

Growing Beyond Level 1

Dedicate Yourself to Intentional Growth

Focus on the Vision

Appreciate Team for Diversity

Build Relationships

Never Mention Your Title

Learn to Say, “I Don’t Know”

Find a Leadership Coach

Level 2: Permission

People Follow You Because They Want To

Upsides:

Work is More Enjoyable

Communication Channels are Open

Trust is Being Nurtured

Downsides:

Level 2 Appears too “Soft”

Frustrating for Achievers

Requires Dealing with the Whole Person

Growing Beyond Level 2

Learn to Balance Care and Candor

Be the Chief Encourager

Connect with Yourself Before Connecting with Others

Express Value for Each Person on Your Team

Give People Your Undivided Attention

Make “Fun” a Goal

Level 3: Production

People Follow You Because of What You’ve Done For The Organization

Upsides:

Production Gives Credibility to Leader

Brings Clarity and Reality to Vision

Solves Problems and Creates Momentum

Downsides:

Productivity Can Make You Think You’re a Leader When You’re Not

Heavy Weight of Responsibility

Demands Continual Attention to Level 2

Growing Beyond Level 3

Translate Personal Productivity into Leadership

Understand Everyone’s Productivity Niche

Cast Vision Continually

Use Momentum to Solve Problems

Build Team, But Guard Momentum

Be a Change Agent

Never Neglect Level 2

Level 4: People Development

People Follow You Because of What You’ve Done For Them

Upsides:

You’re Set Apart From Most Leaders

Creates Sustainable Growth

Provides Greatest Personal Fulfillment

Downsides:

Insecure Leaders Can Feel Threatened

Short sidedness Can Blind Leaders to Need For Development

Self-centeredness Can Cause Neglect For Others

Growing Beyond Level 4

Be Willing to Keep Growing Yourself

Decide People Are Worth The Effort

Work Through Your Insecurities

Develop The Best People You Can

Never Work Alone – Bring a Shadow

Balance “Hard” and “Soft” Skills in Development

Be Approachable

Level 5: Pinnacle

People Follow You Because of Who You Are and What You Represent

Upsides:

Creates The Highest Level of Organization

Creates A Legacy

Provides Extended Platform for Leading

Downsides:

Can Make You Think You’ve Arrived

Can Make You Lose Focus

Can Make You Believe Your Own Press

Being Your Best at Level 5

Remain Humble and Teachable

Maintain Your Core Focus

Create an Inner Circle to Keep You Grounded

Supercharge Leadership Development of Others

Plan Your Succession

Plan Your Legacy

Use Your Success for Something Greater