In this episode of Gameplan Leadership, Desi Mayner interviews Karly Rolls, Vice President of Rolls Mechanical, a family-owned business in Michigan. They discuss the importance of leadership in service businesses, focusing on employee engagement, recruitment strategies, and the significance of a strong company culture. Karly shares insights on their unique referral bonus system, performance reviews, and the evolution of their training center, emphasizing the need for continuous development and proactive management. The conversation highlights the value of communication, feedback, and creating a supportive environment for employees to thrive.

Takeaways:

• Leadership is about elevating people, not just managing tasks.
• Culture fit is crucial when hiring; avoid hiring just to fill a position.
• Referral bonuses can enhance employee engagement and retention.
• Performance reviews should be a two-way street with self-assessments.
• Training should be personalized and based on actual needs.
• A dedicated training center can enhance skill development.
• Documenting calls can help identify training needs and improve service.
• Communication should be tailored to the audience's preferences.
• Proactive management can reduce the need for constant firefighting.
• Building a legacy in skilled trades requires commitment and passion.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Rolls Mechanical and Carly Rolls

04:04 Carly's Role and Company Culture

07:11 Recruitment Strategies and Culture Fit

10:11 Referral Bonuses and Employee Engagement

13:04 Performance Reviews and Employee Feedback

19:01 The Importance of Action on Feedback

25:04 Creating a To-Do List from Reviews

29:20 The Importance of Communication in Leadership

32:07 Effective To-Do Lists and Feedback Loops

35:35 Evolving Training Models for Technicians

40:12 Documenting Calls for Improved Training

41:35 Developing a Dedicated Training Center

44:05 Creating Proactive Processes for Success

48:45 Key Leadership Skills and Hiring Practices

53:49 Introduction to Leadership Strategies

54:14 Engagement and Community Building

54:43 Call to Action for Leadership Development