The manufactured housing industry has seen a significant level of change at the national level. There are new faces at the state association level too. So a general look at the topic of leadership makes sense.
Leaders come in all personality types and styles. Let's look at a sampling of quotes from Think Exist and Forbes on leadership:
"Leaders think and talk about the solutions. Followers think and talk about the problems." — Brian Tracy
"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John C. Maxwell
“A great leader's courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.” – John Maxwell
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams
"Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better." —Harry S. Truman
"The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes." —Tony Blair
"The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. It’s got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet." —Reverend Theodore Hesburgh
"The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority." —Kenneth Blanchard
"A good general not only sees the way to victory; he also knows when victory is impossible." —Polybius
"A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be." —Rosalynn Carter
Anti-leaders
As soon as someone projects leadership, don't be surprised when another voice(s) project anti-leadership. Some want to project themselves as leaders, especially when they have at times earlier in their lives have been regarded as such.
When I see, hear or read about arrows being repeatedly shot in the direction of a leader, ones thoughts ought to turn to this adaptation of a saying by William Shakespeare:
"Methinks he doth protest too much."
Some rebel against a leader; out of jealousy, personal agendas or for other reasons. It is useful to think about the motives behind someone who "protests too much."That the manufactured housing industry is ripe with opportunities is unquestionable for those with the eyes to see clearly. That is why industry leaders such as Warren Buffett, Sam Zell or others have invested billions of dollars into our great Industry.
The fact that these and others profit today demonstrates that others can too.
There are those who take a leadership role in a team, group, association or company. A leader of necessity raises her or his head above the crowd, points the way and leads the charge.
Some are paid to lead, others volunteer. Both paid and volunteer leaders serve critical functions in associations and companies.
When leaders become the target of the selfish and self-serving attacks of others organizations must protect them from the minority who will cause harm to leaders and those whom they lead.
Good Intentions
The road to hell is paved with good intentions. A protestor at times may have good intentions, but what if they behave in a way counterproductive to their own cause?
Dissent and differences of opinion – properly shared – is healthy and good. Mutual respect and mutual understanding are keys in organizations that advance. Selfless team spirit and a willingness to follow and support leaders empowered for their role are essential for the success of all.
Removing cancers
I've seen clubs, organizations and companies harmed by one or a handful of non-team players. In health care, you don't let a known cancer metastasize in the body. It has to be eradicated; removed. The same is true for an organization or company.
Identify the cause of the problem. Limit the damage, protect the body, do what is needed to move on!
Speaking of Leadership…
Thanks to the leadership of volunteers and staff pros from the MMHF, MHI, the NCC and companies like Clayton Homes, CU Factory Built Lending and others, we are doing an inaugural effort the day before the Louisville Show that will present our industry's
homes and opportunities to an array of potential new blood for our industry.
Watch for the debut of that positive new effort!
The rising tide raises all boats. When new blood comes into our industry, it is good for the existing owners and pros. More demand for MH Communities and manufactured homes raises property values and enhances demand for our homes, products and services.
Returning to MH Plan
This wasn't my planned blog post for this weekend. My apologies to those who expected a different column. Let's shift to another note that will exemplify leadership.
We have much to celebrate as an industry. Sure, America is in challenging times, so it is no surprise that our Industry has its challenges too. But those who are solution and goal oriented are advancing and profiting.
We as an industry can advance further and faster too.
While recognizing problems, we must see that these challenges are MH Opportunities in disguise.
Let's clear out and cut loose those personal or team anchors that kill time, spawn negatives and drag us down! Let's move forward to learn why some companies in our industry today are growing in size and profits. The fact that they can means you can too.
Learning and leading
We saw more than the 1,500 souls in Louisville in 2012! Based on the trends, the odds are we will see still more for the profit and business building Money Tree seminars, with the manufacturers and other exhibitors at the 2013 Louisville Show. Don't miss it; see for yourself why there was so much positive energy in 2012, and why excitement is growing over the 2013 event.
Be a successful part of the solution
Let's learn from the past, while being pro-active and forward looking.
Let's not let nay sayers or negative voices stay or get into our heads.
I'll be in Louisville the week of January 20th, 2013. The Introduction to Manufactured Home Opportunities Day pre-show event is Jan 22nd. The draft of the page above will be modified and finalized this week with updates. The positive energy behind this initiative is palpable.
The Louisville Show itself runs January 23-25th. Another factory – with a mod – has entered the Show. All of these are signs for the most robust show in years. Get all of the facts and show updates on the What People are Saying blog linked here.
You'll find mom and pops to the top biggest movers and shakers and all in between converging in Louisville. Get unprecedented access to decision makers. Networking and deal making opportunities will abound. Listen to the video of real attendees like you on the LouisvilleManufacturedHousingShow.com website.
Don't miss it. We will be in booth 115, or you may see me walking the homes, other and exhibits and at the Money Tree Seminars. Looking forward to seeing you there too. ##
PS: Check our many Exclusive and Red Hot Featured Articles for December and see the
other new stories and 'Purely Political' cartoons at MHLivingNews.com too.
L. A. "Tony" Kovach
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Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right. – Henry Ford
