Making the Leap - 4 Opportunities for New Managers, Part 4

Written By Joseph Miller

Here’s the final installment, for now, in our high-level series hitting key pivot points for rising leaders. Missed the first three? You can catch up at the links here:

This month we tie it all together by inviting an answer the question: “WHY?”

Why do all of this? Why pivot into more responsibility that relies on the performance of others? Why invite increased visibility and scrutiny?  

Easy answers, right? Power! Riches! Fame! My guess is most of you wouldn’t point to these as your primary drivers, though each can be nice and helpful in doses. 

The Power in Purpose

What we’re driving at here is the deeper purpose and mission around which leaders build their confidence, presence, and style. Getting grounded in our individual and collective “why” builds a more solid foundation from which to make decisions and form behavior as a leader. Unfortunately, this is largely taken for granted or worse - overlooked altogether – as new leaders are stepping up.

I’ll never forget a challenging conversation with a direct report years ago. I asked what she thought the values of the company were, and her response stunned me: “If you have to say them out loud, you’re doing something wrong.” 

As a big proponent of individual and group self-awareness, I don’t see the harm in naming guiding values. What that employee was getting at – and I agree – is that named values are worthless if they don’t show up in measurable behaviors and accountability systems, especially those shown by leaders.

The research continues to prove organizations with undefined or underdefined purpose will underperform the market. When leaders at all levels do the work to excavate the underlying “why” for themselves and for the team/company they lead, performance follows. That performance is not just measured in revenue and margin, but experienced as:

This isn’t about solving world hunger, though it could be. Whatever the stated purpose, vision, and values of the company, the many benefits possible from them only come if they are embedded in the strategy of the company. What better barometer of this than the commitment shown (or not) by mid-level and junior managers and leaders and reflected by their teams? 

Regardless of what is cascading from higher levels of leadership, those with direct, front-line management responsibilities and impact can increase their performance by asking themselves:

  • Am I aware of and committed to the higher purpose and vision of the company?

  • What is my unique connection to that purpose?

  • How do I ensure my team members have answered those same questions?

  • What goals, expected behaviors, and accountability mechanisms are in place that reflect this understanding?

  • How do we measure and then reward our success in fulfilling that purpose?

What emerges from this work, and many of the other tenets covered in this series of articles, is an authentic style – everything from communication, emotional regulation, courage, and more. The day-to-day functioning that brings consistency and ease to the difficult job new leaders in face when using their new power to have the greatest impact. In my own research, the leaders who I hear praised most often, all seem to have this common denominator working for them: They are grounded in their “WHY.”

What’s Next?

Great coaching helped me overcome many challenges, including finding my “why” as an emerging leader which is what brought me to this profession. While 1:1 work is an ideal approach for supporting individuals in their unique growth, not everyone is ready for it (if you are, let’s talk). So, I’m delighted to know that the Automotive Remarketing Alliance is committed to leadership development in our industry, just as I am. 

This column, the Hand Up Program, the Professional Advancement and Leadership Committee, and more demonstrate gathering momentum and investment in the future leaders of remarketing. Keep an eye out for even more resources coming your way and let us hear from you with ideas and desires for more of this type of content. 

Want to learn more about the opportunities to support new managers and shore up the next generation of leadership in your organization? Ask Joe about the workshops and coaching he offers.

Joe Miller is the Founder of Awareness to Action Coaching where he empowers our industry and the community with coaching and content for current and future leaders. After 15 years in the heart of our industry as an executive at AutoIMS, Joe brings a unique understanding of the remarketing industry and a passion for helping leaders reach their potential. You can see more of Joe’s content on LinkedIn or schedule time with him directly or contact Joe with questions.

Joseph Miller
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Making the Leap – 4 Opportunities for New Managers, Part 3