INTERNATIONAL AND SPECIALIZED TRANSPORT
■
SEPTEMBER 2013
SC&RA COMMENT
55
Business leaders today face two defining challenges of
the time: speed and information. And just when it seems
you’ve wrapped your mind around one or the other, the
two concepts remind you who is boss, and merge. As a result of
the information around us continuing to redline, many of us in
this industry find ourselves juggling an ever-diverse collection
of workplace dynamics: gender, ethnicity, education, technology
and, of all things, age.
For assorted reasons, quite a few of them economic, the
generation gap in the workplace is possibly at an all-time high.
Combined with the speed of information and communication
exchange, this gap is often separated by much more than years.
Try manoeuvring all of these ingredients under the same roof, or
even into the same room, and you’ve got yourself some healthy
workplace diversity to contend with, and likely a lion’s share of
the stress.
Today’s leaders need to recognise that business landscapes, no
matter the industry, will be immersed in challenge. Successful
men and women in positions of leadership have not discovered
this vantage point by accident – there is no more guessing or
flying on autopilot or figuring it out as you go. Leaders find
success in modern times because they’ve learned how to cultivate
relationships, commit to decisions and think on the move. Of
these three attributes, however, the first one is often the most vital
to running a successful business. It is ironic because even amid
these high-speed times it is still a timeless and universal business
dynamic that keeps everything glued together.
It doesn’t matter how smart you are, how tough you are or
how fast you can think – if you can’t manage relationships, you’re
not well-rounded. And only well-rounded leaders thrive in
today’s workplace. Your business is as good as the people you’ve
surrounded yourself with. If you can’t connect with them, they
COMMENT
Joel M Dandrea
won’t feel connected to your business, much less its success.
And on an expanded scale, if you can’t foster relationships with
your industry peers, well, you’re just not going to experience any
lasting success.
Small world
The method by which the world communicates today has
seemingly taken hold of the globe and pushed all the continents
together. We have access to one another on a scale unparalleled in
human history. What we’ve quickly discovered in both business
and in life is that people who can’t appreciate and find common
ground with those who are different from them, struggle to find a
balance. In business, this can often mean the difference between
making a few deals here and there, versus becoming a global
industry leader. Authenticity and willingness to understand is
still the quiet measure of a successful leader and person.
Many of today’s best and brightest will rush into various
industries filled, in equal part, with ambition and up-to-the-
minute skill sets. What they don’t know is that all the talent in
the world means nothing if you can’t relate to your colleagues
on a personal level. Fortunately, many of these youngsters have
had a taste of diversity on the way up, by way of social media
and a more globalised education experience in school. But they
still need to learn the ropes, in a sense, because most companies
are a blend of personality types, cultures, demographics, skill
sets, and age groups. A well-rounded leader will provide quality
mentorship for these valuable employees, often leading by
example, because this person represents the future of his or
her company.
You want to be honest with people. When your authenticity
goes without question, you’ll find an entire team of loyal people
ready and willing to take your business to remarkable places.
■
Look closely for success
WHO’S WHO
SPECIALIZED CARRIERS
& RIGGING ASSOCIATION
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Joel Dandrea
5870 Trinity Parkway, Suite 200
Centreville, Virginia, 20120, USA
Tel: +1 (703) 698 0291
Fax: +1 (703) 698 0297
CHAIRMAN
Michael Battaini
Sheedy Drayage
San Francisco, CA, USA
PRESIDENT
Ron Montgomery
Intermountain Rigging & Heavy Haul
Salt Lake City, UT
VICE PRESIDENT
Alan Barnhart
Barnhart Crane and Rigging
Memphis, TN
TREASURER
Delynn Burkhalter
Burkhalter
Columbus, MS
ASSISTANT TREASURER
Bruce Forster
Rigging Gear Sales
Dixon, IL
ALLIED INDUSTRIES GROUP
CHAIRMAN
David Wittwer
, Hays Companies
Salt Lake City, UT
CRANE & RIGGING GROUP
CHAIRMAN
David Cowley
, TNT Crane & Rigging
Longview, TX
LADIES GROUP CHAIRWOMAN
Cathy Moore
, NBIS
Atlanta, GA
TRANSPORTATION GROUP
CHAIRMAN
Geary Buchanan
Buchanan Hauling & Rigging
Fort Wayne, IN
SC&R FOUNDATION
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT:
Robert Moore
NBIS
Atlanta, GA
VICE PRESIDENT:
Stephanie Bragg
Bragg Companies
Long Beach, CA
TREASURER:
Jim Sever
PSC Crane & Rigging
Piqua, OH
