If the pandemic taught business leaders anything, it is the importance of authenticity, vulnerability and coming together as compassionate people to drive results. The pandemic brought leaders back to their core function: making a positive impact in people’s lives whether that be through mentorship, problem-solving or simply making the impossible possible. Now is the time to reflect on the positive lessons learned amid the past two years as we enter 2022 with an optimistic outlook, becoming even stronger leaders.
I was a former recipient of the Rookie of the Year award presented by fellow franchisee and NFL superstar Tim Tebow and have recorded several record-breaking sales months over the past two years. I opened my first facility in my hometown, Boise, Idaho, in 2019. In March 2020, Covid-19 forced gyms to shut down leaving me with only $70 in my account. I was faced with my biggest challenge as an entrepreneur. So, how did I dig my way back to become a top revenue producer in the entire system?
I remembered a lesson I learned from working at my family’s business decades ago: embrace your inner weirdness, be vulnerable with your team and let results speak for themselves.
There are countless reasons leaders struggle to embrace their “inner weirdness” and allow themselves to be truly vulnerable, but it is one of the simplest ways to strengthen your team and build a strong company culture that contributes to the growth and bottom-line results.
Here are four tips on how to become a great leader in 2022:
1. Let personalities shine to uncover team member strengths. It starts with you, the leader. Engage in storytelling, share personal information, be goofy with your team and have one-on-one meetings to allow for more naturally vulnerable conversations. You’ll learn more about yourself and how others view you while also uncovering the unique strengths of your team. When you see both sides, your ability to lead excels.
Be open minded and do not pass judgement on your team. Make sure you create an environment that enables people to be themselves and feel comfortable with coming to you when they have new ideas or a problem. Put together team outings or team events that encourage bonding and thus encourage your team to be vulnerable with one another. The more you get to know your team on a personal level, the more you encourage professional growth and find ways to help them shine.
2. Spark creative thinking. Creativity and innovation became a requirement if you wanted to prevail post-pandemic. Yet, it is tough to get your team to feel comfortable enough to speak up with new ideas. Embracing weird ideas and wild thoughts fosters creativity and collaboration. One weird idea can spark the next big revenue generator.
Create brainstorming sessions with your team to help spark creative thinking. Sometimes, a game or word play about a problem can lead to bigger results and productive problem solving. You do not have to act on every idea that comes to the table, but being open and accepting of the ideas help your team feel more comfortable and more resourceful.
3. Humanize the business. Encourage spontaneous human emotion — crying, laughing, stress, frustration. When you humanize yourself, people find you more approachable and are able to come to you when they need guidance. This will help build trust, provide relief to team members because they feel they can take risks/make mistakes, strengthen your culture — all while growing your bottom line.
Remember, people are the most important part of this business. When you make your team, their problems and their ideas a priority, you create a culture that cultivates trust and solutions for any problem or challenge down the road. Allowing people to be people helps relieve stress and creates a harmonious environment.
4. Grow with the right people. During the post-pandemic rebuild, hiring has become more important than ever. Comprise a unique team of people who are diversified from age to hobbies to roles throughout the business — from a soccer mom coach to a former NFL personal trainer — you never know what you can learn from one another and what kind of innovation they can bring to the table. Recognize their unique skill and recognize what they can bring to the table while providing the tools and opportunities for them to grow on their own and with the business. As you grow with the right people, you won’t have to enforce your company’s culture and core values but rather encourage it and let it produce amazing results.
BIO
Shaun Wardle, empire builder and multi-unit D1 Training franchisee, is a third generation health and fitness operator. He grew up in the fitness industry working at his family’s gym, Idaho Athletic Club, officially joining the family business as a principal in 1999. The Idaho Athletic Club grew to become Idaho’s largest private fitness provider, serving the community with seven Treasure Valley locations. Wardle led the executive team and managed 350 employees within the organization. After 40 years of operation, the Idaho Athletic Club sold to Crunch Fitness in 2017. Wardle then became a D1 Training franchisee. He is a former recipient of the Rookie of the Year award presented by fellow franchisee and NFL superstar Tim Tebow, and he has recorded several record-breaking sales months over the past two years.