b'BUSINESS STRATEGYWe recently spoke to five LOUD membersteam. Another key part of the puzzle is who shared with us their top leadership tipssincerity. According to Joe Ramirez, ownerTOP 5 STRATEGIESthat have helped them succeed and becomeof Clear Counselling, creating a coherentAt the core of our conversations, the profitable. We began by askingBlaineteam requires honesty from the very topaccomplished LOUD members we Lambert, board member of the Rainbowof the organization. This then translatesspoke to outlined five actionable and Foundation of Hope,what qualities he feelsinto positive relations with the team and astraightforward tips for aspiring and shaped his leadership style. Interestingly, itmutual effort to succeed. current leaders. They are:has as much to do with focusing outward andI know my personal mission, and I1. Assemble a diverse team and recognizing the skills and talents of thoseam upfront about it, says Ramirez. Toplay to each of their strengthsaround him, as it does with his own skillset.be successful is an agreement with ones Great leaders see their people as theirteam. Do what you do for me, and Ill do2. Learn and practice your soft companys greatest asset, explains Lambert.what I do to help you be your best you.skills, such as active listening and They assemble teams with diversity andNo pretenses or politics, just good honestunderstanding motivationsutilize the synergies created. They empowereffort at your work, and care for 3. Be vocal about your mission their teams by removing the roadblocks,each other. and how people can get involvedcommunicating a clear path forward,Transparency and authenticity also4. Adopt a transparent and au-and sharing a vision that is attainable yetcame up in our conversation with creativethentic leadership stylechallenging. For me, I try to make everyonerenegade Charlene Prevatt, director of5. Empower others to be leaders in my team feel valued. When success isbusiness at Plane Creative. Prevatt agreesnot only for others but themselvesachieved, it is never my success, it is that a high level of openness is essential to our success. creating an organization that inspires andbusiness coach, that is only possible when For Craig Weckerle, owner of Vogueleads by example.treating everyone with care, connection Painting, celebrating success is similarlyA huge part of leadership isand communication. As well, says Best, it about understanding the needs of every teamauthenticity, she says. You stand behindis important to remember that leaders in member. In line with this, motivational,what youre doing, and it has to be thatthe working world are not only high-level interpersonal and communication skillsyou believe in what youre doing. Its notC-suite executives at large firms. Fostering go hand in hand. It is the soft skills andjust something youre doing for a buck.your own leadership qualities, and those of emotional intelligence I had to learn at aThats not going to inspire someone. Youyour team, should be on everyones agenda. young age that really translated into myhave to be able to stand there and say, We current leadership style, notes Weckerle.are doing this because we are genuinely A good leader will find out what motivatesmaking an impact in the world. Have a moment to spare?someonecash, praise, freedomthenTrue leaders have that great desire to create the work environment that leave a mark on the world, adds Prevatt,Watchreinforces that.whether it is about changing the lives ofHickory Dickory Decks These soft skills are part of a simple yetmany people, or just one individual.video in theeffective approach that helps with employeeFor serial entrepreneur Gina Best,digital editionretention while creating a more cohesivewho currently works as an in-demandof this magazineWith people spending more time at home, they are investing more in their outdoor living spaces.PROFIT FROM A PROVEN SYSTEMWork from homeUse industry leading technology and marketingReceive ongoing training and support1.800.263.4774decks.ca/franchise2021|QBiz CANADA |23'