In a recent interview, Steve Hedrick, the chairman, president, and CEO of AVN Corporation, shared his insights on what it takes to build amazing teams. With over three decades of leadership experience, including a distinguished military career and a significant tenure in the petrochemical industry, Steve's approach to team building is both profound and practical.
Core Ingredients of a Great Team
When asked to distill the essence of a magnificent team into one sentence, Steve emphasized the importance of having fantastic teammates rallied around a mission they are passionate about, under empathetic leadership. This blend, according to Steve, creates an environment where team members can express their passion and thrive.
The Crucial Role of Empathy in Leadership
Empathy, Steve believes, is the cornerstone of effective leadership. He asserts that empathy, combined with critical thinking and strong communication skills, is essential for leading teams through challenging times. By creating an environment where team members feel cared for and understood, leaders can inspire their teams to bring their whole selves to work, which is crucial for the success of any organization.
Practical Implementation of Empathy
Steve admits that showing empathy consistently is not always easy. He reflects on his own journey, acknowledging moments when he fell short but emphasizing the importance of self-correction. Leaders, he suggests, should be open to feedback and willing to adjust their approach to meet the needs of their team.
He draws parallels between his military experience and his current role, highlighting that empathetic leadership is prevalent in both sectors. Steve recounts the influence of mentors like General Bill Weber, who demonstrated the importance of knowing and caring for team members personally, thus fostering a deep sense of loyalty and commitment.
Building a Cohesive Distributed Team
With a team spread across 11 states, Steve stresses the importance of fostering connections and celebrating individual contributions. AVN Corporation uses virtual platforms to help team members see and interact with each other. They also share personal interests and hobbies to build a more connected and understanding team environment.
Steve shares an example of adjusting meeting times to accommodate team members in different time zones, demonstrating flexibility and consideration for their needs. This approach not only respects individual circumstances but also reinforces the team’s cohesion and morale.
Embracing Failure and Encouraging Diversity of Thought
Steve advises leaders not to fear failure but to see it as a part of the growth process. He advocates for calculated risks and stresses the importance of having team members who think differently. This diversity prevents groupthink and drives innovation. Leaders should strive to hire people who are smarter and more knowledgeable in different areas, creating a well-rounded and capable team.
Keeping the Team Engaged and Connected
To maintain strong connections across a distributed team, AVN Corporation organizes events like cookouts, ensuring everyone feels included. They even provide Grubhub cards to remote employees, so they can join in the shared experience. Steve underscores the value of these shared moments, whether it's eating together or working out together, as they build stronger bonds among team members. As Steve said, “Teams that eat together, stay together.” That sentiment really stuck with us!
Challenges and Inspirations
Reflecting on his career, Steve shares the story of leading a team through a difficult period following fatalities at a manufacturing site. Despite the challenges and ultimate closure of the site, he takes pride in the positive changes made and the enduring relationships formed. This experience underscores his belief in the power of empathetic leadership and the importance of supporting team members through tough times.
Steve's motivation comes from his disciplined approach to leadership and the inspiration he draws from his team and the innovative work they do. He believes that discipline can sustain motivation, especially on challenging days, and that a leader's unwavering commitment can inspire the same in their team.
Conclusion
Steve's philosophy on building amazing teams revolves around empathetic leadership, fostering strong connections, embracing failure, and encouraging diversity of thought. His insights, drawn from both military and civilian leadership roles, offer a valuable guide for anyone looking to build and lead a successful team. By caring for and understanding their team members, leaders can create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the organization's success.
