Many of the manufacturing leaders we talk to have built successful businesses through grit. They came in early, stayed late, jumped in to solve every problem, and did everything it took to get the job done. Have you ever heard Thomas Edison’s famous quote, “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration”? Generations of shop owners lived by this mentality.
But our industry is changing, partly as a result of new technologies that have transformed and streamlined operations. Now, we’re finding that the most effective manufacturing leaders are doing less perspiring and more inspiring than they’ve ever done before.
As the current generation of shop owners begins thinking seriously about succession planning, we’d like to raise an important question: Are you leading through perspiration or inspiration?
Hard Work Built Many Great Shops…
The Baby Boomer generation largely grew up believing that hard work was measured by effort. It was expected to work long hours and do whatever it took to get the job done, no matter how stressed or burned out it made you. Leaders were supposed to roll up their sleeves and set the example through their own work ethic.
That philosophy led to many successful businesses, but modern machine shop leadership calls for something different. Hard work is still essential, but hard work alone doesn’t automatically create stronger teams or prepare a company for the future.
…But Today’s Workforce Wants Leaders Who Inspire
There’s certainly a culture shift we’ve noticed as millennial talent moves into leadership roles and especially as Gen Z joins the workforce. These younger generations value hard work, but more than anything, they want to feel that the work they’re doing matters.
If leaders continue relying solely on the “work harder” mentality without shedding light on the deeper contributions their team members are making to the company’s success, they may be unintentionally stifling the creativity and passion their teams can bring.
When Does Hard Work Become a Bottleneck?
Many shop owners pride themselves on being hands-on. They’ve put in years of hard work, so they know every customer and understand every machine and process.
But there comes a point where doing everything yourself stops helping the company and actually begins slowing it down.
Ask Yourself These Questions
- Are employees constantly waiting for your approval?
- Do you feel like you’re the only person who can solve certain problems?
- Are you spending your days checking work that your trusted employees could handle?
- Would your business struggle to run smoothly if you took one or two weeks off?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, your leadership may have become the bottleneck.
Great Leaders Are Great Teachers
Leading through hard work alone can create a cycle that never ends: You solve the problem, then you solve it again, and again. The work gets done, but only because you’re the person driving it forward.
To be a leader who inspires, you should resist the urge to solve every problem and make every decision yourself. Instead, teach others how to solve problems and develop your people so they’re equipped to make good decisions. Rather than carrying the business on your shoulders, build leaders who can carry it with you.
Inspiring Leaders Set the Business Up for Future Success
One of the biggest conversations among our members and the industry as a whole is succession planning. Most owners hope to retire someday, but stepping away from the business becomes challenging if they’re afraid that the company cannot operate without them.
That’s why the greatest gift a leader can give their people and company is trust. Teach, delegate, develop skills, and release responsibility to capable people. The stronger your team becomes, the stronger and more resilient your business will be after you’ve stepped away to enjoy your retirement.
Learn from Leaders Who Inspire
By being part of the NTMA community, you have the opportunity to learn from all types of leaders. Through conferences like Engage, programs like Emerging Leaders, local chapter meetings, and peer-to-peer networking opportunities, members can connect with leaders focused on developing their people and preparing for succession.
Firsthand conversations with peers who have already navigated these challenges can help you think deeper about what it means to be a leader who inspires.
Sweat Builds a Business, But Inspiration Builds a Legacy
The manufacturing space has always demanded effort and determination. But the companies that will thrive over the next decade and beyond will be the ones that go beyond hard work alone. They will be the businesses whose leaders inspire others to think, collaborate, innovate, and lead.
Because while perspiration may build today’s production schedule, inspiration builds tomorrow’s leaders.
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