Hands-On Leadership

I’m currently doing a home renovation.  It’s giving me a chance to observe leadership in the construction industry.  It’s really not all that different than leadership in any other professional job; the ingredients to success are mostly the same.  But one thing that has become even more evident to me by watching this is how important it is for a leader to be willing to roll up the shirt sleeves and get your hands dirty.

If you were to stop by my house during a construction day, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the owner of the company and the workmen.  That is, until you watch one of them turn around and talk with me about design plans and scheduling.  That’s because the owner is someone who works just as hard as anyone else – ripping out kitchen islands, pulling off drywall, scraping off grout from the floor.  It’s tremendously impressive….and makes me stop and wonder why more leaders don’t do this more often.

The value that comes out of the willingness to do the grunt work is tremendous.  Some of the benefits, listed below, can be applied to all industries:

• Develops respect from workers – when workers know that you understand what they do, you gain something invaluable.  It’s the reason why executives who “come up through the ranks” are so much more appreciated by their employees.  It’s not because it makes you smarter, but having had the experience of walking in their shoes just makes it easier to connect.  In sales we used to say that it was important to have “carried the #1 bag” which was our sales bag that contained customer files.  There is nothing that can replace that experience.

 

• Ensures high standards – by actually working the job, the owner of the company can ensure that the job is done right.  By working the job himself, he can make sure corners aren’t cut, the best materials are used, and that the craftsmen understand that no shortcuts are allowed.  Transferring this to other industries, you can see how a thorough understanding of the job contributes to quality.  If you’ve called on a customer, you understand the importance of service.  You also know the difficulties that result when someone on the front line decides to take a shortcut….because you’ve had the experience of dealing with the fallout!

 

• Builds credibility with the customer – when a boss rolls up his/her shirtsleeves, it shows the customer that the highest level of the organization cares.  Spending time on the job in the presence of the customer also provides a leader with direct feedback (positive and negative) about staff, the quality of work, and hints about how things can be improved.  In a highly competitive world, such a conversation can help a leader discover ways to differentiate a company from others competing for the same customers.

 

In all best-in-class organizations, those at the top make a point of “working close to the customer”.  Whether you’re an executive who schedules a few hours on the customer service phone line, a not-for-profit volunteer who spends time with the recipients of your organization’s services, or the superintendent of a school district who spends time in the schools, you are trying to do the same thing that the owner of my contractor’s company is doing.  You’re keeping in touch with what your business is about, and not waiting to hear from someone else about how it’s going.

I knew when I started this blog that I’d find examples of great leadership in all facets of life.  I haven’t had to look hard….and having my home torn up has certainly contributed to my resource of leadership stories!

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[stacie berdan]

I agree, Anna, and enjoyed reading how you linked "big business leaders" with the rest of daily business we encounter every day. One of the important areas for leadership for our children is in the schools. be it the superintendent spending time in the classrooms, as you note, or teachers not only teaching, but leading by example. It makes a difference.

[Anna Catalano]

Thanks for the comment, Stacie! I find that the rules of good leadership apply in all walks of life, which is why I launched this blog. We can learn as much from watching an outstanding grade school teacher as we can following a corporate executive! Sometimes even more....:)

[anthony]

Anna

I enjoyed reading your comments on "Hands-on leadership" In fact just last night I mentioned to Amy that I rolled up my shirt sleeves yesterday and worked with my team out in our warehouse. Throughout my career I have always loved “getting my hands dirty” and sometimes even my tie. You have noted the obvious benefits but what I like best is that I get to know them better and develop respect for them too.

See you next week
Anthony

[Anna Catalano]

I knew you'd agree, Anthony! Business is about relationships, and people look for leaders who are sincere. Thanks for the comment!

[True Religion Outlet]

While I can wish for luck, I believe the saying that luck is when preparedness and opportunity meet, so I thought I’d share a few ideas in this week’s blog to help you be prepared for the opportunity when luck bestows itself on you.

[Air Jordan 1]

hi, i like yours *_*
come to here .
This article is well written

[handyman bellevue]

I am surprisingly amazed with your post. Can't believe i'm gonna find this information from you. Keep up the good work :)

[Yami]

Very cool Support 'you must in fact live as a new person'. I am wonkrig with this exact point in terms of having tried to change the picture of the idea of 'who I am' .- and realizing that it is in fact the starting-point I am Living from and as, that is the key to changing. And I have to first be Self-Honest about that starting-point and who/what I have Allowed myself to exist as and then Correct and Change so that I Live by the Principle of Equality in Every Moment.