Is your leadership lack-lustre, with vague direction, vague focus and poor or just okay results? If so, you missed a golden opportunity to learn how to change that by not being a Vistage member.
North East Vistage members were treated to keynote speaker this month that focused on the building, leading and development of Elite Teams.
Over two days, Andrew Marsh’s cohorts enjoyed the company of Pete Wilkinson, founder and CEO of Reclaro and esteemed Vistage presenter. Andrew is the chair of three North East groups that cover all bases of leadership from CEO’s, business owners and influential decision makers.
Using his theory of aligning teams for remarkable results, Pete asked the attendees are you prepared to do what it takes to build lead and continuously develop an Elite Team?
He said: “It’s not easy to build an elite team and most businesses don’t employ with that well planned selection process that allows for that. Elite teams have crystal clear focus, routines and processes and are constantly tested and evaluated. By using a simplified strategy and leading from the top, little changes can lead to big results.”
The fast-paced event saw the attendees who range from many industries including technology, healthcare, charity, financial services, marketing, retail, industrial, mechanical and digital, not only learning important steps but also working out how they would apply them to their own workplace.
Starting with building the elite team, Pete looked at recruitment processes, company reputation in the marketplace, communication, team charters and what elite would actually look like in each of the attendee’s own businesses. It was an interactive start enjoyed by all with some strong key takeaways including:
People make the difference
Small smart choices + consistency +time = radical change
Share the vision, the successes and be mindful that there should be no space for D**kheads.
Andrew said: “This part of the presentation was really lively with everyone introspectively looking at what they do with marketing, recruitment, and building that great team. We all recognised the improvements needed to be made which lined us up perfectly for the next part, Leading An Elite Team.”
Clearly defined objectives, shared vision, companywide collaboration, agreed outcomes, routines and processes where all discussed with Pete drawing attention to the Standard Operating Procedures in The British Army.
He drew us into the three major practices that enable Elite people to ensure that basics are done well on a daily and weekly basis.
Focus. Routine. Discipline.
Performance management structures were examined, with the conclusion that clear direction, objectives and expected outcomes along with discipline = success.
The pursuit of excellence was the next topic, and how the commitment to ongoing development makes the difference. Using a quote from Ray Dalio, Pete geared everyone up to look at their training offering, investment in their teams and what actions they need to take in their own businesses.
“Constantly train, test, evaluate and sort people.”
Andrew concluded: “Pete motivated everyone to improve something in their own business. At Vistage, this is our main driver, to help our member’s companies perform better, hit new heights and create stronger bottom lines.
“If you think you would have benefited from this session and want to hear what I have planned for my cohorts in the coming months, then do get in touch to discuss attendance and membership.”
You can contact Andrew on Andrew.Marsh@Vistagechair.co.uk
