Highlighter Summer 2015

Summer 2015 | 5 Jeff Meier - Chief Operating Officer 7 Traits of Being a Pond Leader Cultivating Leaders Companies need to grow in order to survive. Growth can be organic through client service, repeat business and client referrals, or it can be spurred on through mergers and acquisitions, or a combination of both. In any case, a company needs strong leadership that can guide the firm to success in all areas, and market visionaries to see what’s coming ahead and how to be in position for full capitalization. At Pond, we take leadership very seriously. To be a leader in the A/E/ P/C industry it takes a strong blend of technical acumen and people skills. Clients need to believe that we have the “know how” to get the job done right and that we always have their best interest front and center. Remember our goal is to always be our customer’s first choice. While some natural leaders are born, most of us need some coaching and experience to realize our potential. After all, most of us attended college to become experts in our chosen field, not to lead the pack. Leadership qualities are usually inherent in the person, but most times must be “coached out” a bit. Alumni and current classmates of Pond University learn about how leadership is nurtured “The Pond Way” as part of their year-long commitment. Part of the coursework is coaching and leadership development, where students learn the “Seven Traits of Being an Effective Leader” as used below. 1 Relentlessly Upgrade Your Team • Always coach your team and constantly evaluate • Build and inspire confidence • Hire great people 2 Shape & Share Your Vision • Define the vision for the team • Embrace the corporate vision in your work • Communication should always be job #1 3 Have Energy & Optimism • Exude positive energy throughout the team • Energize your team • Kindle the passion within each person 4 Lead with Integrity & Build Trust • Lead by example….always • Demonstrate total commitment….always • Provide transparency…..always 5 Have the Courage to Make the Unpopular Decisions • Take risks and set the example • Manage scope, schedule & budget • Make sacrifices for the team and project 6 Probe & Push with a Curiosity that Borders on Skepticism • Quality should always be #1 • Insist on excellence from the team • Perform due diligence | risk assessment to protect the company 7 Leaders Celebrate! • Recognize victory no matter how large or small • Inspire passion in everyone around you • Build the team - take pride in their individual accomplishments Being a leader takes commitment, passion and energy. Being an effective leader also takes drive, collaboration and lots of teamwork. With 520 by 2020 growth, we are continually looking for the next leader to emerge to help move Pond forward. If you have the drive to be a leader, talk to your supervisor about what’s available to cultivate your passion. With internal programs such as Pond University, Burnt Toast, Seller-Doer Training, and Marketing | Development, there are many opportunities to stretch your leadership wings. n

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