A Leaders’ Guide for Thriving in Today’s Challenging Times

Today’s leaders are faced with business challenges as tough as any over the past 35 plus years. In order to provide the needed leadership for their organization’s success, leaders today need to demonstrate some fundamental leadership skills and behaviors.

Today, we will review a key fundamental behavior that “Growing Forward Leaders” must model for their team during challenging times and for when things may not always be going the right way, or perhaps as well as planned.

If you missed the first fundamental, Work Hard (and smart) and Perform, visit The Harvest Group website to read it.

Fundamental 2:  Radiate Confidence and Optimism

“Growing Forward Leaders” show no fear (don’t let them see you sweat…too much).

They are strong believers in the organization, committed to success, urgent yet not reckless, and they stay cool and calm even in troubled waters. The truly successful leaders that we have observed keep the troops calm and focused and show an even- temper and display poise. This reassures others and commands respect.

In today’s challenging times, things often don’t go right. There may even be some serious setbacks. The team members will look toward their leader to see how the leader deals with setbacks.

Remember that fear and pessimism will make the situation worse. If the leader is unpredictable, overreacting or defensive, it will only upset and distract the team.

“Growing Forward Leaders” must exude HOPE. Not the wishful or unsure type of hope, but the “strong and confident expectation” type of hope.

Hope is about trust and confident expectation. “Growing Forward Leaders” exude HOPE every time there is an opportunity.

OK, “Growing Forward Leaders” ask yourself:

What do you radiate?

What levels do you radiate confidence (not arrogance) and optimism?

How do people perceive you? Optimist, pessimist or realist?

Ask your people what they think you radiate.

A Leaders Guide for Thriving in Today’s Challenging Times

Today’s leaders are faced with business challenges as tough as any over the past 35 plus years. I know. I have been in a leadership role in the industry for more than 35 years, and nothing compares to what leaders are faced with today. Nothing. Despite these difficult times, there are a significant number of landscape companies enjoying record years.

So why is it that some companies enjoy so much success and others flounder?

I’m convinced it has a lot – if not everything – to do with the leadership of an organization.

It all starts and stops with the leader.

Fundamental 1: Work Hard (and Smart) and Perform

These challenging times require sacrifice, hard work and perseverance. It’s the collective hard work from everyone in the organization – especially from our leaders. No one is going to put in the extra effort if they see their leaders coasting. Leaders need to get into the game, and invest the necessary time to get the company moving in the right direction. Don’t just put in the hours for the sake of it. But put in the needed extra effort and be visible in your business.

Recognize the power of your presence and, remember, wherever you spend your time is perceived as important by your people.

Here are some examples:

Meetings: Make sure they are worthwhile. Leaders need to be prepared, show up on time and actively participate without stifling the flow of communication. If there are assignments given to you, make sure you deliver on them.

You: Manage yourself and where you spend your time. Know where your time is best used based on where your organization is headed.

Measure the Right Stuff: Track key milestones like client and key employee retention, gross margins, new business added, accounts receivable and so on.

Now ask yourself: (reality check here)

Are you working hard and smart? Really? How much time are you spending “on” your business and not “in” your business?  Where should you be spending your time for the best leadership leverage to help with your company’s success?

How do you measure up with your leadership performance?

Now go ask your key people what they think of your answers.