Episode 95
Strategic Flexibility: Serving Customers Anywhere with Remote Leadership
Join us as we delve into the intricacies of leadership and team dynamics in the manufacturing sector with Greg Trainor, Director of Global Business Development at Banner Engineering, a seasoned business development and sales management expert. With nearly two decades of experience, Greg shares his rich insights into navigating the evolving landscape of modern communication and remote work.
In this episode, you will discover:
- The Power of Active Listening: Uncover the profound impact of truly listening in both personal and professional settings.
- Connecting Across Generations: Learn about Greg’s approach to relating with younger workers and creating a cohesive team environment.
- Modern Communication Challenges: Explore the complexities of navigating emails and phone communication in today’s fast-paced world.
- Remote Work and Flexibility: Understand the strategic advantages of remote work for sales-oriented roles and maintaining customer relationships.
- In-Person Team Building: Gain knowledge on the importance of face-to-face interactions and team bonding activities.
- Leadership in the COVID Era: Learn how leadership styles and communication have adapted to the new normal of remote work.
- Evaluating Leadership Success: Discover how to measure leadership effectiveness through personal relationships and impact on team members.
- Continuous Learning and Development: Hear Greg’s advice on providing autonomy and guidance to foster leadership within teams.
- Travel and Career Advancement: Be inspired by the significance of international experiences and Greg’s advice on taking on new opportunities.
- Managing Modern Connectivity: Discuss the overwhelming nature of constant connectivity and the need for quiet time.
Greg’s wisdom on building strong professional relationships and his emphasis on active listening will inspire you to enhance your leadership techniques and team collaboration.
“Active listening isn’t just about nodding your head and waiting for your turn to speak. It’s about really engaging with what’s being shared and understanding the perspectives of those around you.”
Key takeaways
Enhancing Communication Through Active Listening:
Active listening is a cornerstone of effective leadership and team cohesion. In both personal and professional settings, truly hearing and understanding others can prevent miscommunication and build stronger relationships. Leaders should strive to create an atmosphere where team members feel valued and heard, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
Navigating Multi-Generational Workplaces:
Connecting with team members across different generations can be a strategic advantage in leadership. By understanding and respecting diverse perspectives, leaders can create a more inclusive and dynamic workplace. Lightening the mood and making genuine efforts to relate to younger workers, in particular, can bridge gaps and enhance team spirit.
Embracing Flexibility and Remote Work:
The modern workplace has drastically changed, particularly with the rise of remote work. Leaders must adapt by building rapport and connectivity within geographically dispersed teams. This flexibility not only supports a better work-life balance but also opens new avenues for hiring talent, providing strategic advantages while maintaining strong team relationships through in-person events when possible.
“In an era dominated by electronic communication, there’s unparalleled value in those in-person team-building events and bonding activities. Face-to-face interactions create trust and genuine connections within the team.”
The Role of Flexibility in Leadership and Customer Relationships
Show Notes:
In Episode 95 of the “Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast,” host Sannah Vinding chats with Greg Trainor, a seasoned business development and sales management professional, about the nuances of leadership and communication within the manufacturing sector.
Key highlights from the discussion include Greg’s emphasis on the critical importance of active listening in both personal and professional settings. He notes the negative impact of failing to truly listen and shares his success in connecting with younger generations by making an effort to understand their perspectives and lightening the mood.
Sannah and Greg delve into the modern challenges of communication, particularly the overreliance on emails and the evolving nature of phone communication among younger individuals. Greg also talks about his new living arrangements, which have provided increased flexibility in reaching customers and the strategic benefit this flexibility offers, especially for sales roles.
The pair discuss the value of in-person team-building events and the shifts in leadership style brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as using electronic communication to build relationships remotely. They underscore the long-term gratification leaders can get from positive feedback and relationships built with team members, even those who have moved on.
Greg expresses his excitement for the electronics industry, citing the daily challenges and opportunities to engage with unique customers. He values providing his team with autonomy and guidance for their leadership development and acknowledges the transition to remote working as a significant challenge for building rapport.
The conversation also touches on the pressures of constant connectivity, the need for quiet time, and the various platforms used for modern communication. Greg and Sannah both highlight the benefits and drawbacks of remote work for hiring and team building.
Reflecting on his career, Greg advises his younger self – and listeners – to advocate for their career goals, embrace new opportunities, and seek out experiences such as international travel. Sannah echoes this sentiment, stressing the importance of sharing dreams and asking for assistance.
Greg concludes by emphasizing personal connections in professional relationships and the comfort and confidence that come with experience. Both he and Sannah agree on the value of slowing down, truly listening, and involving the team in decision-making processes, underlining that these practices are essential for effective leadership.
Throughout the episode, insights and personal stories from both Greg and Sannah provide a rich discourse on leadership development, team dynamics, and effective communication in the manufacturing industry.
Remember to subscribe, like, and share our content. Connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram to unlock your leadership potential in the electronics component industry.
Greg Trainor
Gregory Trainor
Director of Global Business Development at Banner Engineering
Gregory Trainor is an accomplished business development expert with over 20 years of experience in the industrial automation sector. He currently serves as the Director of Global Business Development at Banner Engineering, where he leads a team dedicated to driving growth and expanding market share through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.
With a strong focus on customer relationships and results-oriented strategies, Gregory has successfully leveraged his expertise in IIOT, sensors, and machine safety technologies to enhance product management and development. His leadership style emphasizes empowerment and collaboration, ensuring that both his team and clients receive top-notch service and cutting-edge technology.
Gregory remains committed to advancing the field of industrial automation through innovation and strategic growth initiatives.
“The beauty of our industry is that each day presents a new challenge and a unique opportunity. This constant evolution keeps us on our toes and fuels our passion for innovation.”
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