Chad Peterman, President + CEO of Peterman Brothers, empowers his team to chase their potential by being a present leader, allowing them to focus on what they do best, offering help and support wherever needed. His transformative message: “Lead Yourself,” outlines his growth journey, recounting the challenges he faced and the pivotal moments that shaped him into the leader he is today. Empowering others became the cornerstone of his company’s achievements, highlighting the impact of nurturing a culture of mentorship.
The Importance of Self-Leadership
Leadership is often associated with how we guide and influence others. However, one of the most critical aspects of leadership is often overlooked: leading ourselves. As John Maxwell famously said, “Leadership is about influence.” To truly influence others, we must first master the art of self-leadership.
The Distinction Between Leaders and Managers
While all managers should strive to be leaders, not all leaders are necessarily managers. As Chad points out, “All managers must also be leaders. But not all leaders are managers.” The key difference lies in their approach to accountability and influence. Managers focus on key performance indicators (KPIs) and holding team members accountable, while leaders concentrate on removing obstacles, showing empathy, and supporting their team members’ growth.
Effective leadership involves:
- Removing roadblocks
- Understanding team members’ challenges
- Offering support and guidance
- Building trust through open communication
By prioritizing these elements, leaders create an environment where accountability naturally follows, making the manager’s role more effective and impactful.
Taking Responsibility: A Cornerstone of Self-Leadership
Taking responsibility for one’s actions and decisions is a crucial aspect of leading oneself. This principle often emerges as a life lesson early in one’s career or personal journey. For many, it may manifest during challenging times, such as a setback in sports or a professional obstacle.
The key takeaway from such experiences is that true leadership isn’t about having all the answers or following a predetermined script. Instead, it’s about setting an example through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Chad reflects, “The best way that I can lead right now is to go out and work as hard or harder than anybody on the team and set the example for what we’re gonna have to do in order to achieve our ultimate goal.”
Fostering a Culture of Responsibility
To cultivate a sense of responsibility within a team or organization, leaders should:
- Lead by example
- Show genuine care for team members
- Encourage open communication
- Recognize and appreciate efforts
- Create a safe environment for taking risks and learning from mistakes
One effective practice is writing personalized thank-you notes to team members, acknowledging their contributions and expressing gratitude for their hard work. This simple act can significantly impact morale and reinforce a culture of mutual respect and responsibility.
The Power of Continuous Growth
“Can’t Stop the Growth”: A Personal Mission
The concept of unstoppable growth often emerges from a realization that when people are given the opportunity to be at their best, they naturally drive the company forward. Chad explains, “We can’t stop the growth. Because if we create something where people can be at their best, they’re always going to keep getting better and they’re going to drive the company forward.” This philosophy extends beyond mere financial growth; it encompasses personal and professional development for all team members.
As organizations evolve, team members often find themselves taking on new roles and responsibilities. What started as a technical position might transform into a leadership or training role, showcasing the power of continuous growth and development.
Personal Development Strategies
To foster personal growth, consider implementing the following practices:
- Establish a morning routine focused on self-improvement
- Practice gratitude daily
- Engage in regular exercise or physical activity
- Seek out learning opportunities through books, podcasts, or courses
- Share knowledge and insights with others
One unique approach is keeping a journal for your children, reflecting on daily challenges and solutions. Chad shares his experience: “I write to them each day about what I’m thinking, challenges that I’ve had. It’s reflective for me, but it also transitions or it makes it easier to handle those tougher situations.” This practice not only benefits personal growth but also creates a valuable legacy for future generations.
Leveraging Social Media and Podcasting for Growth
While not everyone may consider themselves “social media savvy,” platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram can be powerful tools for sharing knowledge and serving others. We like Chad’s approach: “I viewed social media as a way to serve others. And whatever I’m learning is putting it out there that is something that we can do to help.” By viewing social media as a means to help and inspire others, it becomes an extension of personal development efforts.
Podcasting is another excellent medium for sharing insights and fostering growth within an organization and beyond. It can serve multiple purposes:
- Sharing personal learnings and insights
- Interviewing industry leaders and experts
- Providing a platform for internal team members to share their experiences
- Offering a glimpse into company culture for potential employees and customers
The Infinite Game of Leadership
Leadership is an ongoing journey with no final destination. Even after retirement, individuals continue to lead and influence others through their actions and words. This concept, explored in Simon Sinek’s book “The Infinite Game,” underscores the importance of continual growth and development.
Embracing Gratitude in Leadership
Gratitude plays a vital role in effective leadership and personal well-being. By regularly reflecting on the things we’re thankful for, we gain perspective and maintain a positive outlook, even in challenging times. Chad shares, “Every day I’m thinking about the things that I’m grateful for. And a lot of the time, the ones that I’m writing down are not anything big. It’s the sun shining, or the ability not to have to worry about finding my next meal.” This practice can be as simple as noting down three things you’re grateful for each morning or before starting a meeting.
Cultivating gratitude helps leaders:
- Maintain a positive mindset
- Build stronger relationships with team members
- Increase resilience in the face of adversity
- Foster a culture of appreciation within the organization
The Next Chapter: Empowering Others
As organizations grow and evolve, the focus shifts from individual contribution to empowering others. This transition is critical for scaling a business and nurturing the next generation of leaders. Key aspects of empowerment include:
- Trusting team members with increased responsibility
- Providing the necessary resources and support for success
- Encouraging innovative thinking and problem-solving
- Recognizing and celebrating individual and team achievements
By embracing empowerment, leaders create a sustainable model for growth that extends beyond their own capabilities and vision.
The Ongoing Journey of Self-Leadership
The path of self-leadership is a continuous journey of growth, learning, and self-improvement. By committing to never stop leading ourselves, we set an example for others and create a ripple effect of positive change within our organizations and communities. Remember, yesterday’s accomplishments don’t guarantee today’s success – it’s our ongoing efforts and dedication to personal growth that truly make the difference.
As you embark on your own journey of self-leadership, consider implementing some of the strategies discussed here. Whether it’s establishing a morning routine, practicing gratitude, or finding new ways to share your knowledge with others, every step forward is a step towards becoming a more effective leader and a better version of yourself.
Listen to the episode: Gut + Science | 210: Never Stop Leading Yourself with Chad Peterman
Key Takeaways:
- Remove roadblocks and understand what’s in someone’s way
- Lead by example and work harder than anyone else
- Engaged leaders create a positive culture
Things to listen for:
[00:03:50] Leaders focus on removing roadblocks and understanding what’s preventing team members from being at their best.
[00:07:27] Building trust and creating an environment where team members feel comfortable asking for help.
[00:10:43] The importance of setting an example through hard work and dedication, especially in challenging times.
[00:19:05] The impact of having a culture where everyone is committed to getting their mindset right every day.
