Servant Leadership & Sales v. Marketing

One of the only other debates that we've seen get more heated than the chicken-and-the-egg controversy is whether sales or marketing is more valuable for a company. (Oh, we can already feel the tension building!)

According to our client and friend, Vice President of Sales & Marketing Zach Monroe of Card-Monroe Corp., there is no competition. As someone who manages a team in both areas, he proposes another way to look at the "conflicting" departments as "complimentary" teams. By working together, the two can develop an unbeatable force for success. As their leader, he finds the best way to manage is by serving.

Zach doesn't see greatness as a personal achievement. He sees greatness as how much you lift up the people in your life.

Listen to the episode to hear about how he and his wife are hosting an international athlete who's pursuing their education in the U.S.

Servant Leadership

When Zach first started in his role, he was assigned a team who, he admits, had members who were more experienced and knowledgable, especially when it comes to marketing for their company's industry. Entering into that position humbly is what has helped him be a better leader. He adopted a "servant leadership" role that's the opposite of the traditional top-down approach. Why did he opt for this?

• It brings the team together by having everyone on the same level regardless of experience or tenure.
• It shows humility, which allows team members to be empowered by their knowledge and skills.
• It builds healthy relationships that promotes business-related success as well as teamwork.

When it comes to relationships, it can be hard to put into words what that looks like, so Zach helped us with a few ideas that you can implement in the way you lead at work or even with your volunteer organization.

1. No Limits in Willingness: Providing your team with everything that they need to do their job is your primary purpose so that they can accomplish the many tasks that will lead to demolishing goals. This may be jumping in to lend a hand when unexpected challenges happen or even helping to mediate a disagreement over next steps in a project.

1. Lead by Example: As a leader, you are always being watched. Whether you like it or not, your team is always looking to you for guidance in a project or even in what the tone of the day will be. By walking the walk, your team will follow suit. If you speak in an understanding tone, they will mimic your behavior. If you leave at 5 p.m., they will also be comfortable leaving at the end of the day.

1. Show you Care: Don't just talk about it, be about it. You can tell people you care all day everyday, but actions do speak louder than words! Order dinner if the team has to work late. Surprise them with a gift card if they've done something outstanding. Give one-on-one accolades when a team member stands out from the pack or demonstrates leadership with the team. (Just always remember that people communicate differently have different "love languages". Consider an act of caring that suits that particular person.

1. Invest in People: Your employees are people. They have families, ambitions, goals, worries... Find opportunities to get to know your people as people! They will appreciate you for taking a timeout for them and acknowledging the characteristics and aspects that make them special.