Leadership-What’s trickling down the hill?

Leadership-What’s trickling down the hill?

Managing people is hard. It is so much more complicated than people realize. The dictionary defines management as: ‘The process of dealing with or controlling things or people.’  However, this definition does not do this process justice.

Recently, a very interesting book landed on my desk at TrainUp.com; Short Cuts Get You Lost, by Mark Villareal, Two Time International Best Selling Author, Speaker, Coach and Presenter.

I must say, I was very impressed with the book. Mark breaks the process down in a way that is so human and uses the art of storytelling and interviews to reinforce his advice. This book was both motivating, and full of great examples and sports references. Mark challenged the traditional ways of thinking, and clearly demonstrated the use of his management philosophies. He writes about management in a way that is fun and insightful, starting with the very title of chapter one: Crap or Honey?

The philosophy of Crap or Honey is that management is at the top of the hill, and their attitudes and actions roll down to their employees, all the way to the bottom. What rolls down the hill to your employees? Is it Crap, or Honey? Is your attitude good, or bad? You see, this is such a simple, yet profound way to summarize your impact as a manager. Stemming from this overall philosophy, Mark continues to explain how to build trust with your employees by following up with them on issues they come to you with. He explains the importance of letting them see that you support them. Being there for your employees creates trust and an open environment where employees feel comfortable coming to you with their issues.

This book also emphasizes that humility leads to respect, and that rewards and consequences are very important. The importance of being clear with expectations and creating accountability are also key points addressed in Mark’s writing.

A manager’s role is to educate and enhance his or her employees by focusing on encouragement of good behaviors with staff, and coaching and correcting them as they go. Mark sheds light on the fact that it takes more energy to deal with bad behavior than it does to continuously steer employees towards good behavior and better habits. If there is an undesirable effect or outcome, work backwards with your staff to find the cause, and correct the behavior that caused that outcome. Refining the processes as you go by using this type of positive reinforcement.

One of the most spot-on statements Mark writes about is:  “The Self-Managed employee does not exist”.  Everyone needs behavior modification, direction, and motivation.

Mark discusses several techniques regarding behavior modification. One of these, that I thought to be a stroke of genius while reading this book, is the re-hire technique. To deploy this technique on a staff member who might be exhibiting discontent, describe that you have a position open for their current job role, and offer the employee their current job position again. Ask them if they would like to accept the position as you outline your expectations of that role. This will both wake up and re-align the employee, or they will understand that the position is not for them. As Mark says, it draws the line in the sand for that employee. This is so clever and insightful, alluding to a deeper psychology within the manager-employee relationship.

Mark goes on to discuss how everyone is a ten. I am a 10 and you are a 10. We are all equals as human beings and deserve respect regardless of our rank. A manager must address everyone with respect, and refrain from expressing anger or raising their voice. This commands as much respect as it gives to your employees. Managers should be factual, not negative when they confront employees about their behavior. Giving employees the benefit of your time, while laying out expectations and encouraging employees to rise to them.  Everything works best when expectations are outlined clearly, and when you are consistent with rewards and consequences.

Three major principles to manage by are temperament, Patience, and Growth.  There is a profound quote mentioned in this chapter stating, “A word spoken in anger cannot be erased.” This is so true. As managers your mantra should be to Coach, encourage, and correct! Another quote Mark mentions is, “A man’s language is an index to his mind.” This is also so true, and signifies the importance of being positive in your responses to your team.

Keep these pearls of wisdom in mind, all while remembering, as referring to the very namesake of the book, that shortcuts get you lost, because quick gain is no gain.

“Be bold for what we stand for, but careful what we fall for.”

Aside from what a manager must do, Mark brings to light what a manager must realize about character. You see, you can’t train character. Sometimes an employee can exhibit some less than desirable traits that can ruin a company, and they must be stopped. Behaviors that should not be tolerated include an employee who continuously complains to other employees, gossiping, and negative attitude. This is “cancerous” behavior and it infects others just as a cancer spreads to, and corrupts, healthy cells within a human body. In some cases, after giving an employee the benefit of your time and they still don’t change their bad habits, or exhibit discontent, it may be time to let them go. This idea spreads to hiring also; a good manager should realize that they must value good character over talent, as talent is coachable, however character is not.

One final piece of advice from Mark is that Knowledge is the vehicle for change. Outline and Define core values for yourself and your department, based on morals and ethics. Setting strong values should be at the foundation of everything that you do. Humility is a strength, and opens the door for continuous improvement. As a manager, it is important to ask for help and advice, and see this as a strength rather than a weakness. Use your values to guide your actions and decisions, a good environment improves teamwork and efficiency.

Knowledge is the vehicle for growth because all problems are opportunities for continued growth and learning. Problems challenge your innovation and give you an opportunity to refine your processes and make changes/advancements based on the lessons you learn. Make decisions with a clear mind, and let knowledge lead to change. Knowledge provides the means to transform.

“Don’t look back in anger, or forward in fear. Look around in awareness.”

Mark interviews a manager in the book that teaches him to exercise daily reflections. This manager asks herself a series of internal questions every day: Did you speak out if you had a problem or a need? Why or why not? Did you do everything you could have to assist your employer or coworkers? Why or why not? Did you give your complete effort today without taking shortcuts? Why or why not? Were you approachable? How did you react to others’ opinions or advice? Were you open?  This exercise is how she is able to practice honesty with herself, a tool that everyone should use. Employees will mimic what they see in you as a manager, and taking ownership of yourself will encourage them to take accountability also.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The theme of how true long-term success comes by focusing on what it takes for the TEAM to succeed, and creating a culture of openness were both points I found to be inspiring. I myself have adopted the use of daily reflections, asking myself at the close of everyday how I can make tomorrow even better.

I’d like to take a moment to thank Mark Villareal for this book, and I’d like to encourage those reading this blog to pick up a copy of Shortcuts Get You Lost. Mark will soon be hosting one day management workshops, which will be available through TrainUp.com.

So let’s take a moment now to reflect. What is trickling down your own hill to your employees, is it crap or honey?

Please give us a call today if you would be interested in learning how to implement Mark’s philosophies within your own management team!