ML30 - Turning Weeders Into Leaders through Tailgate Meetings and the GROW Theory with Jeff McManus

Jeff McManus is the Director of Landscape Services at the University of Mississippi, where he grows plants…he grows people…he grows ideas. Understanding that all humans either have or strive for the innate elements of Greatness, Resiliency, Opportunity and Wisdom, Jeff developed his GROW-theory into an impactful management and professional development leadership program for his staff.

Taking his grounds employees, affectionately known as “weeders”, and developing them into “leaders” has been a joyous challenge that reaped acres of rewards in the form of national recognition by the Princeton Review, Newsweek and every visitor walking onto the Ole Miss Campus.

Jeff McManus

Episode Summary: Turning Weeders Into Leaders through Tailgate Meetings and the GROW Theory with Jeff McManus

Be really good at what you do
Networking is relationship building
Stay in touch with your network (your mentors and contacts)
Getting employees passionate about their work produces lower turnover that results in efficiencies of work. (Do more with less)
Monthly scheduled meeting to learn from the great leaders (Maxwell, Ziglar Brown)
Tailgate meetings- stop and get things off your chest- among team members
If you are not a person of “title” go to your supervisor and make the case for team meetings and team development. Gut buy-in from the top
Anything you can do to help the growth process will be encouraging to the group
We are all in sales- and sales is influence- Present it in a way they recognize the vision you are driving towards
62% of prospective students will make a decision based on the appearance (the landscaping)
Be a part of the solution
Everyone recognizing they are part of a bigger vision
Grow Theory- Greatness, Resiliency, Opportunity, Wisdom
Opportunity- seeing what a challenge or opportunity may be
Winners find a way to win