Bible Verse 📖

Proverbs 16:3

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." This verse suggests that by committing your management and decision-making to God and seeking His guidance, He will help to establish and ensure the success of your plans. This verse encourages us to put faith in God and rely on him for guidance and wisdom, rather than just rely on our own capabilities.

Management Training

I spent this week in Indianapolis training a department manager who’s responsibility is to care for the technicians who make up the bulk of employees for this company. I have previously held the position the manager just got promoted to so I had many resources and experiences to share.

We opened the three-day training session with our whys. This was such an impactful way to introduce myself and have him introduce himself to me. No small talk first, just why we wake up every day and do the job we have chosen to do. See my book recommendation below for more on this.

We then covered topics such as learning preferences, teaching methods, learning management system administration, customer lifecycle and journeys. Probably the most effective session was effective time management. I took Franklin Covey’s The 5 Choices of Extraordinary Productivity and made it blue-collar relatable. Franklin Covey has some amazing leadership and management resources, because that’s what they do, although it’s somewhat difficult for anybody who doesn’t sit in an office all day to relate to fully.

Middle managers are the backbone of the organization. They are where the rubber meets the road. These people need the most attention, meaning professional development, and other support.

I think that middle management training offers a range of benefits to any business. It helps to improve communication between middle managers and their teams, ensures that everyone is working towards the same goals, and creates a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. Additionally, middle management training helps increase employee satisfaction, reduce turnover, and provide greater job satisfaction to middle managers and frontline workers alike.

Meaningful Song 🎧

An oldie but a goodie. I discovered this song when I was, coincidentally, training a new manager for the Lubbock, Texas branch of my organization. Managers are servants who are obligated to sacrifice for the good of the team.

Book 📚

Start with Why by Simon Sinek is a thought-provoking and insightful book that delves into the principles of leadership and effective communication. The book explores the idea that successful leaders and organizations start by understanding their "why" – their purpose, cause, or belief – and use that as the foundation for everything they do.

The book begins by introducing the concept of the "Golden Circle," a framework that Sinek uses to explain how some leaders and organizations are able to inspire and influence others while others struggle to do so. The Golden Circle is made up of three elements: Why, How, and What. The "Why" represents the purpose or belief of the organization, the "How" represents the values and actions that support that purpose, and the "What" represents the products or services that the organization offers.

Sinek argues that most organizations and leaders focus on the "What" and "How" of their operations, but the truly successful ones start with the "Why." By understanding and clearly communicating their purpose, they are able to inspire and connect with others on a deeper level. He uses examples from history and modern-day companies to illustrate his points, including Apple, Martin Luther King Jr, and the Wright Brothers.

By knowing and understanding your own why, along with your company’s mission statement, you can be hyper-focused on what matters and achieve outstanding results.

The book also explores the idea that "people don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it." Sinek argues that when people are able to connect with an organization's purpose, they are more likely to become loyal customers and supporters. He also explains that a clear sense of purpose can also attract and retain top talent, as people are more motivated to work for a company that they believe in.

In addition to its practical advice, Start with Why is also an inspiring and motivating read. It encourages readers to think deeply about their own "Why" and how they can use that to guide their actions and decisions. The book is written in a clear and engaging style and is suitable for anyone interested in leadership, communication, and business.

Overall, Start with Why is an excellent book that provides valuable insights into the principles of leadership and effective communication. It is thought-provoking, inspiring, and provides practical advice that can be applied to both personal and professional life. It's a must-read for anyone looking to improve their leadership skills and make a difference in the world.

Buy the Book on Amazon

Watch the TED Talk

Have a fantastic week,

Broc