In the latest episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Leisa Fox interviews Mike Wagner of White Rabbit Group, an ardent lifelong learner with a passion for fostering better leadership and followership. Mike’s enthusiasm is contagious, much like the “Connected Leaders” practice he’s championing across Iowa.
Early in the episode, Mike highlights the disparity in literature between leadership and followership, noting that Amazon lists over 60,000 books on leadership but fewer than 500 on followership. He underscores the timeless truth that leadership is meaningless without followers. Mike’s mission is to bridge this gap, and his efforts are yielding positive results among some of the world’s largest manufacturers.
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Mike focuses on four pivotal elements:
- Effective and consistent one-on-ones.
- Honest feedback (both giving and receiving).
- Micro-skilling.
- Delegation, especially in cultivating new leaders.
He shares a striking statistic: over one-third of employees in a recent study indicated they would stay in their jobs if their boss were replaced. This highlights the significant impact of employee-manager connections on turnover rates.
To build trust with new managers, Mike recommends the “Boss History” exercise, where leaders and employees share experiences with their best and worst bosses. This mutual understanding fosters stronger relationships and better workplace dynamics.
This episode is essential listening for those seeking authentic ways to connect with employees and enhance retention. Mike Wagner’s insights are invaluable for any leader aiming to improve their team dynamics. For more information, visit White Rabbit Group or contact Mike at mike@whiterabbitgroup.com.
Tune in to discover proven strategies for creating connected leaders and thriving workplaces!