Orrin Woodward, LIFE and TEAM
Does Orrin's leadership of TEAM really impact people for good?
I just came across an article from Qualified Remodeler magazine which mentions someone who's part of Orrin's organization and is apparently implementing the Living Intentionally For Excellence (LIFE ) principles which is based on Orrin's latest book, LIFE: Living Intentionally for Excellence
Orrin Woodward's LIFE Leadership Principles
The article is about Bob Quillen (in photo), the owner of Quillen Bros. has implemented what he's learned from working with Orrin Woodward and the TEAM leadership.
(The article is in italics with my comments following)
"During the past two years when most of America is experiencing a recession and downsizing, Quillen Bros. Windows has increased its sales - 16 percent in 2009 and over 16 percent in 2010. In only 12 years, Quillen Bros. has grown to be nationally recognized as the 106th largest exterior replacement contractor in the nation. Quillen Bros. Windows has also received two national awards from Qualified Remodeler and Replacement Contractor, and are the fifth largest in Ohio.
Times are tough right now. You can either get bitter or choose to get better! Over two years ago, we chose to focus on self-improvement vs. home improvement! Bob Quillen has introduced and implemented a leadership self-development culture in his company."
We focus on growing in five areas of our lives - Faith • Family • Fitness • Finances • Fun. When the person grows so does your company! “Build the man and everything he touches will grow,” says Mr. Quillen. “Change is inevitable, but growth is optional,” says Quillen.
Though Quillen doesn't mention Orrin Woodward, TEAM or Orrin's leadership of TEAM specifically, this is exactly what Orrin's discussing in a leadership video he's in on YouTube.
"If we grow personally in our leadership development now, when the tide turns and the economy gets better, we will be well equipped to recover a bigger part of the market share.
As the owner of the company, it is my responsibility to sell the vision and create systems that measure growth and accountability. But I give all the credit to our team of 18 to 20 employees who brought into the vision and make a daily commitment to become a better person."
Quillen's arguement is true. Everyone's personally responsible for their own growth; no one can force you to become a leader and that's what I've seen in Orrin Woodward's leadership style...accountability.
A Leader with Vision
Imagine the serious competitive edge that Quillen Bros., Inc. will have after the economy changes. Quillen understands what Orrin's been teaching for years: a true leader must sell the vision to those whom he or she leads.
Quillen's an effective leader with solid vision. His understanding that employees (such as these men in the picture to the left and below) aren't just 'there' as a line item in an accounting spreadsheet; they are actually people with dreams, fears and needs.
In Orrin Woodward's book, Launching a Leadership Revolution: Mastering the Five Levels of Influence
"[Leaders] have to own the vision completely. It must be a perception of a coming reality to which [they] are totally committed." (Launching A Leadership Revolution, pgs. 8-9)
Orrin Woodward Leadership Evidence: The Law of the Harvest
I've talked to Orrin about what I like to call The Law Of The Harvest in relations to personal development and leadership. The Law of the Harvest is loosely based on Aesop's famous fable of the Grasshopper and the ants.
Essentially, you'll always reap what you've sown.
In the fable, the simple-minded grasshopper spent wasted away all his time during both Spring and Summer dancing and fiddling away his days rather than planting seed or gathering in food for the Fall harvest time as did the ants.
The grasshopper, in his smug arrogance mocks the ants for toiling away in the summer heat when there was so much fun to be had.
The ants, always head down and working would occasionally stop and scold the grasshopper for his idleness and prophesied that he would suffer the consequences of his choices not to prepare.
The grasshopper ignored the ants repeated warnings and continued to play until the cold, stark reality of Winter set in and he found himself completely unprepared.
Application of LIFE Leadership Principles
Quillen is intelligently taking what Orrin and the TEAM group are exposing in the LIFE philosophy....personal accountability and responsibility for your own destiny.
"Quillen Bros. is a local company that specializes in replacement windows and patio doors. We are experts in our profession and are proud of our model of “new world technology combined with an old world workmanship.
We assist and control all aspects of the job, from manufacturing, sales, finance, installation and service. We do not telemarket, and offer a variety of options from which to choose."
(Paranthetically, it's refreshing to see someone not doing telemarketing!)
"We are all about living LIFE: Living Intentionally for Excellence
Quillen sums it up as a true servant leader should; by thanking those who've helped his business weather the recession. Again, another kudo to Orrin's brilliance as a leader.
I'm about giving props to those who offer great service therefore if you're in the Ohio area, I suggest giving the Quillen Bros. a call: 419-636-1303 or visit them online at www.quillenbrosinc.com
To true leadership!
Hannibal Noms deGuerre
