Build trust through reliable hires. Surround yourself with good people — which might mean that you have to bring in people that you’ve worked with before that you know and trust.
They not only need to be deep in their functional area. That’s kind of a given; the CFO is going to be good at finance. What I’m also expecting is that they’re broad businesspeople, willing and able to contribute to ideas that aren’t necessarily in their functional group.
You probably are going to step on some toes. Sit down with people and explain to them why you’re doing it. I involved the people that I kept in part of the interview process. I brought on some field people that I had worked with before. But I just didn’t parachute them in and say, ‘We’re going to accept that.’ I had my team be part of the interview process. I don’t want them to feel like I’m making that decision for them.
The first time you bring somebody in and everyone sees that that was a great hire, they then trust your judgment. The next time they hear Gary’s bringing in somebody he’s worked with before, people don’t worry about it.
Encourage input. You would set the expectation or make it known that you’re really interested in their point of view on things. Some people have not grown up in a culture where they were asked to step outside the box. They can do it but don’t feel comfortable doing it. If you just let them know that it’s expected and it’s OK, many of those people might be able to do that.
In terms of how you make somebody feel comfortable doing that, it’s really just sitting down with them. A lot of times, what happens is you’re sitting around the table, you’ve had lunch brought in and you’re just shooting around some ideas about the business. It doesn’t feel like a formal business meeting because it’s just lunch. People get caught up in the conversation. People … have a point of view on a lot of things.
Really, it’s not hard to get that going. It goes back to being the consistent, predictable and approachable
leader. If they work with you a little while, they’re going to understand it’s OK to have an idea about a different area. You tell them it’s OK and that you actually would like their feedback. Usually, there are one or two brave people who believe you right off the bat, take you at your face value and come in.
Then the word filters out that, ‘Hey, he is approachable.’ People are pretty smart reading people. If you walk around and you look approachable, you’ve got a smile on your face, people will read you before you have any kind of meeting or say anything. It’s how you carry yourself as a leader and if you’re visible, if you’re out and about.
If you’re in your office behind closed doors all the time and people never see you, they’re probably not going to feel you’re approachable.
How to reach: American Laser Centers, (877) 252-8922 or www.americanlaser.com
