Embracing Growth: How CEOs Drive Growth Through Personal and Professional Development
#HustleCulture is dead! Instead, modern leaders must embrace holistic development in their role as CEO. As leaders, partners, and parents, we have a responsibility to constantly grow, not just in our professional lives, but in every aspect of our lives.
As the CEO of Low Country Case and Millworks, but also, a husband, father, and active community member, I believe we must break free from the narrow definition of professional development. It's about so much more than just acquiring work-related skills or climbing the corporate ladder. It's about embracing growth in all areas of life. After all, we've got one shot at this beautiful journey called life, so why not make the most of it? The best part is that personal and professional growth are intertwined. The benefits we reap spill over into every corner of our lives, bringing us joy and success.
Whether I'm wearing my CEO hat, being a loving husband, or cherishing my role as a parent, one thing remains constant—leadership. As Simon Sinek wisely said, "Leadership is not an expertise. Leadership is a constant education." This philosophy has become my guiding light, driving me to be the best version of myself. Personal development plays a pivotal role in my quest for growth, as it's an area where I have complete control. And I believe that it's up to me to take charge of my own growth.
One simple yet powerful personal growth hack that has had a profound impact on me is podcasting. On my commute, whether it’s to the office or to the beach, I’ve replaced the radio with podcasts. What a difference! The world of podcasts offers a treasure trove of free, high-quality content. I utilize my drive time to soak up knowledge, taking notes at stop signs and traffic lights (safety first, of course). These podcasts have become a wellspring of inspiration and a source of valuable insights that I eagerly share with friends and colleagues.
Focusing on my own personal development makes it easy to foster growth within our amazing team at LCCM. We've implemented several strategies to ensure personal and professional development flourishes among our team members:
#1 Coaching and Assessments: We offer personalized coaching sessions with Liz Ashley, of AlignBehaviors. Our department heads and leaders benefit from her expertise, gaining valuable insights and guidance on their growth journeys. Not only does her mentorship aid in their professional development, but we strive to make a positive impact on their leadership roles outside of LCCM, as well. Additionally, we conduct DiSC assessments for new hires and host workshops to enhance self-awareness and improve communication within the team.
#2 Engaging Workshops: We believe growth should be a team effort. That's why we organize quarterly team workshops that cover a range of topics, such as effective communication, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence. These interactive sessions provide team members with the tools they need to thrive both personally and professionally. Plus, participating in these workshops earns them extra credit towards their year-end bonuses.
#3 Partner Involvement: We understand that personal growth extends beyond the office walls. So, we invite partners to join us in the development journey. We organize events where couples can explore behavioral styles, understand each other better, and strengthen their relationships. By involving partners, we create a supportive network that fosters growth in all areas of life. Happy at work, happier at home. Happy at home, happier at work.
Our commitment to professional development has yielded remarkable results, transforming both our team and organization, including:
Increased Team Member Satisfaction: Over the past three years, we've witnessed a significant surge in team member satisfaction. Our team is more engaged and fulfilled in their work. DiSC has become a part of our everyday conversations, fostering self-awareness and improving relationships. We're on the path to embodying Pat Lencioni's "Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team," which includes trust, constructive conflict resolution, commitment, accountability, and, ultimately, exceptional results.
Breaking Through the Leadership Barrier: I'm proud to say that I'm no longer the bottleneck for growth at LCCM. Our leadership team has taken ownership of their departments, empowered to make decisions independently. This newfound autonomy has fueled exponential growth within the organization, allowing me to focus on strategic initiatives. As we continue to prioritize personal development for our executive leaders, we dismantle barriers and unlock unlimited growth potential.
Remarkable Employee Retention: At LCCM, our employee retention rate is through the roof! Team members rarely seek opportunities elsewhere because they find fulfillment and purpose in their work. In fact, we have a waitlist of eager individuals vying to join our team. While the industry average retention rate hovers around the upper 40%, we proudly boast a stellar rate of 93%. This speaks volumes about the power of prioritizing development.
As CEOs, partners, and parents, we have the incredible ability to drive growth and create positive change in ourselves, our teams, and our communities. Let's break free from limitations and embrace a lifelong journey of knowledge and growth. By prioritizing personal and professional development, we unlock doors to unprecedented success, happiness, and fulfillment. We have the ability to build leaders. Together, let's foster a culture of continuous growth, supporting one another as we soar to new heights.
