Strategies

Change from the top

How to break bad leadership habits

ALBERT EINSTEIN SAID insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

You fall into habits of doing the same thing over and over and getting frustrated when the outcome doesn’t miraculously improve. Maybe you don’t listen well. Or you don’t trust your senior management team to delegate. Or you give instructions but fail to include what you expect the outcomes to look like.

CEOs and business owners grow as leaders when they set their egos aside and recognize that a habit is interfering with their team’s success.

As a Vistage chair leading high-performing executives, my members are willing to be vulnerable and admit they need to change certain areas of their lives. They follow a unique technique I learned in my executive coach training on how to create new habits. It’s perfect for the new year.

IDENTIFY WHAT NEEDS TO BE CHANGED

First, be specific about what you’re trying to do. What habit is interfering with the effectiveness of your team’s success? List details including who, what, where, when and why the habit appears.

In great detail, define what behavior you want to change or create and what you will commit to doing. One example of a habit all successful leaders need to master is having strong listening skills.

Maybe you feel that when your employees are talking, you already know the “answer” and are not really listening. Or you need to ask more probing questions to understand the deeper issue. Or you talk a lot and don’t give others a chance to be heard.

By not improving your listening skills, your staff will be less likely to develop their own abilities to grow within the company. Imagine how new listening habits could improve your relationships at home as well.

ASK OTHERS FOR HELP

The following habit-changing technique requires accountability, tracks progress and lets you receive ongoing advice. It requires you to involve others to help you learn new habits.

Next, commit to wanting the new behavior and to accept feedback from people who want to make you an even better leader.

Select five people from your professional life who will give you honest feedback. Each month, ask them two questions about the habit you want to change, and a follow-up question that asks for their honest, detailed feedback: Tell them to rate you on a scale of 1 (rarely seen) to 5 (seen all the time).

Explain what your behavior would look like. Receiving a “5” score means XYZ; receiving a “3” score means ABC. 1. How am I doing with improving my habit? 2. What’s one thing overall that I could do better as a leader? 3. What other advice would you have for me?

How you respond will determine if your leadership team believes that you respect their feedback.

Your goal with question #1 is to achieve three consecutive months with the average score of 4.5 or higher.

The second question continues the discussion because you trust their perspective in becoming the best leader for all your employees beyond the new habit you are forming.

The third question is strategically placed. As an executive coach, I’ve learned the power behind asking “and what else?”

Next, put some logistics in place. Schedule one-on-one meetings with your senior team. And, before reviewing the five people’s scores, give yourself a score for the first question.

Ask these people to let you know when you’re lapsing into the bad habit. If, for example, you need to improve your listening skills, and someone thinks you’re talking more than listening, that person can send you a subtle signal by tugging on their ear or rubbing their nose.

Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Achieving three consecutive months with a score of 4.5 or higher will require great effort. If you admit you don’t know everything, your executive team will follow your lead to strengthen their own leadership skills. Everyone will be stronger as a result. n

LIZA LeCLAIRE

Liza LeClaire has operated a regional retail business since 1990 and taught MBA classes since 2017. She leads an executive board for Vistage Worldwide Inc., a professional development group for CEOs, presidents and business owners. She can be reached at LizaLeClaireConsulting@gmail.com.

Time to reset

With slow economic growth expected in 2023, businesses should focus on their customers, and their employees

RECESSION OR NOT, the economy is entering a period of relative stability. The Vistage CEO Confidence Index increased slightly to 75.3 in Q4 2022, 1.9 points higher than Q3 2022 and 6.3 points higher than Q2 2022. Even with these modest gains, it remains 22.3 points below Q4 2021, and is one of the lowest readings to date in the index’s 20-year history. The index measures the sentiment of business leaders on a variety of economic and business factors. Vistage surveys about 1,500 small and midsize companies in the United States each quarter.

A key driver of the low level of confidence can be attributed to sentiment about the U.S. economy. Just 4% of Wisconsin CEOs surveyed believe the economy will improve in the year ahead, while 53% believe it will worsen.

That can be attributed to the headwinds of high inflation and skyrocketing interest rates clashing against a resilient and strong labor market to essentially create an economic stalemate. Nobody wins big and nobody loses big.

While this period of uncertainty presents a variety of obstacles, it also gives many CEOs the time and opportunity to reset and refocus on the two items that are most important for a business to succeed: customers and talent.

CUSTOMERS’ BEHAVIOR HAS CHANGED

First and foremost, customers are at the heart of every company’s ability to succeed. You can’t sell anything successfully if you don’t have buyers.

Last year, 78% of CEOs surveyed reported that buyers’ behavior changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Slightly more than half (51%) of Wisconsin CEOs reported their buyers’ behavior has changed due to inflation. Business leaders continue to be challenged by how they communicate with and sell to customers in an increasingly digital-first world and in a hybrid workforce.

This creates opportunity for customer-focused companies that are prepared to meet customers where they are, equipped with the relevant messaging. Customer-focused strategies need to accelerate decisions in a time where budgets are tighter and sales cycles are longer.

KEEPING TOP TALENT IS CRITICAL

Employees are the fossil fuel of every organization’s growth. Leaders learned just how crucial having the right talent was during The Great Resignation that started in early 2021 when employees voluntarily resigned from their jobs en masse, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hiring became a near impossibility.

Even today, 69% of Wisconsin CEOs report the problem of operating at full capacity due to hiring issues. Despite economic uncertainty, 56% of Wisconsin CEOs plan to hire more workers in the year ahead. The healthy jobs market remains a bright light in an otherwise gloomy U.S. economy.

Retention is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways for CEOs to shore up their workforce and fill productivity gaps. Over half of Wisconsin CEOs (57%) have already either added retention bonuses, or plan to, in the year ahead.

To further hone their retention strategies and help increase productivity, nearly all (97%) of Wisconsin CEOs either already invest in employee development programs or plan to in 2023. Another 93% have either already invested in leadership development or plan to.

Wisconsin has also seen a surge in employee training programs – 70% of those surveyed said they have already created internships or apprenticeship programs or intend to in 2023. This is truly a long-game strategy to retention. Building someone’s skills from the ground floor embeds loyalty and helps fill talent gaps by widening the pool of available talent.

In tandem with retention, 81% of Wisconsin CEOs report they’ve invested in technology to reduce labor burdens. These investments are not intended to replace people with robots, but to increase collaboration, amplify productivity, fill hiring gaps and improve the employee experience – particularly for digital-native Gen Zs and millennials.

CEOs who use this time of low economic growth to turn inward and focus on the fundamentals – their customers and their employees – will be poised to weather the storms of persisting inflation and more interest rate hikes.

As long as unemployment remains at near-bottom lows, the economy will continue ticking forward but at a slower pace. Those who master the basics now will be first in line when the economic merry-go-round inevitably starts again. n

JOE GALVIN

Joe Galvin is chief research officer for Vistage Worldwide and can be reached at research@vistage.com. For more reports and insights, or to connect with a Vistage chair, visit vistage.com/research-center.

BIZ PEOPLE Advertising Section: New Hires, Promotions and Board Appointments BIZ UPDATE

NONPROFIT

Wellpoint Care Network names Ted Uczen Chief Operating Officer Ted Uczen is now the Chief Operating Officer at Wellpoint Care Network. Prior to joining Wellpoint, Uczen was President and CEO of the social enterprise FEI Behavioral Health, Inc. Uczen has also held roles as the Senior Vice President of Banking Solutions at Metavante, Chief Customer Officer at NuEdge Systems and Director of Consulting at Retail Target Marketing Systems. He is known as a collaborative leader with a record of success by achieving results through holistic relationship development, strategic marketing, and an emphasis on growing revenue.

INSURANCE

Dan Burkwald

Joins The Horton Group as Executive Vice President

The Horton Group, one of the largest privately-held insurance brokers in the United States, announced that Dan Burkwald has joined the company as an executive vice president of Horton’s Employee Benefits Solution division. Burkwald brings more than 40 years of experience to Horton and will be based in their Waukesha office. He is responsible for expanding Horton’s consulting capabilities beyond population health and creating opportunities in the talent acquisition and compensation consulting fields. He also helps recruit future sales/ customer service team members and maintains strong relationships with vendors.

BANKING

Bryan Lisowski

Joins Wisconsin Bank & Trust

Bryan Lisowski has joined Wisconsin Bank & Trust’s rapidly expanding Milwaukee team, as Senior Vice President, Commercial Banker. Bryan comes to the bank with over 16 years of experience in all facets of middle-market commercial banking. He has diverse industry experience, working with contractors, manufacturers, and distributors through high growth and ownership transitions. Bryan is a graduate of University of Wisconsin – Whitewater with a degree in Finance, as well as a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington. WBT is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

BANKING

Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. Hires New Division Manager Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. is proud to welcome Division Manager Brent Hamm to their team. Brent brings over 20 years of experience serving middle market clients in a wide range of industries throughout Wisconsin, including roles in credit underwriting and portfolio management, capital markets loan syndications, client relationship management and new business development. Brent is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Finance and will be responsible for helping grow the Wintrust Commercial Banking presence throughout Wisconsin.

WEST BEND PROMOTES ERTMER AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

West Bend Mutual Insurance Company announced the appointment and promotion of Dave Ertmer to Chief Operating Officer (COO). Having joined West Bend in 2009, Dave’s industry background includes almost three decades of experience and leadership. “As we continue toward achieving our strategic goals, we are taking the necessary steps to introduce the COO role to our leadership team. This new position will be instrumental to our operational performance and ensure we’re positioned for the future,” stated Kevin Steiner, CEO of West Bend. As COO, Dave will continue to lead claims operations and have expanded responsibilities overseeing the business operations. Additionally, he’ll lead the company’s longterm initiatives and goals, including emerging technologies and innovation.

MANUFACTURING

Sheboygan Paint Company Announces Transition to New CEO

Sheboygan Paint Company is pleased to announce the appointment of its new President and CEO, Paul Krueger, effective January 3, 2023. Krueger brings 35 years of industrial coatings experience to his new role. “The company’s position as an innovative, service-driven, midsized company – coupled with its investment in novel technology development – offers tremendous potential to our customers and employees” said Krueger. “I look forward to leading the organization toward its vision of becoming the most recognized family-owned industrial coatings company in the U.S.” Current CEO Peter Kirton will retire at the end of 2022.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Andy Kamphuis

joins Vrakas CPAs + Advisors

Andy Kamphuis joins Vrakas with nearly 15 years of public accounting and corporate controllership experience serving public and private clients across various industries and ownership structures. At Vrakas, Andy will specialize in providing assurance and accounting advisory services to privately held, for-profit companies, including private equity and ESOP-owned companies, across a variety of industries. Andy will also be responsible for growing our Midwest client base while developing a professional service team in Illinois that will be dedicated to servicing this client base.

BIZ PEOPLE Advertising Section: New Hires, Promotions, Accolades and Board Appointments

MANUFACTURING

WMEP Manufacturing Solutions announces Chris Baichoo as new Executive Director/ CEO

WMEP Manufacturing Solutions (WMEP) announced it has selected Chris Baichoo as its new CEO and executive director. Baichoo brings extensive manufacturing experience and a strong history of driving increased sales, improving operational efficiencies and addressing employee and supply chain challenges. He previously served in leadership roles at Datec Coatings, Perlick Corp., and Federal Industries. “We were looking for someone who was passionate about helping Wisconsin manufacturers and we’ve found that with Chris,” said Todd Zakreski, chair of the WMEP board of directors and president of HUSCO Automotive.

LEGAL SERVICES

Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP Welcomes Attorney

Zak Wroblewski

The Milwaukee, Wisconsin based trial and litigation law firm of Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP (GRGB) is pleased to announce the addition of Attorney Zak Wroblewski to the firm’s litigation team.

LEGAL SERVICES

von Briesen & Roper, s.c. welcomes Mark Kapocius to its Milwaukee office.

Mark is a Shareholder in the Government Law Group and School Law Section. Mark has more than 20 years of experience in working in administrative leadership roles for school districts in Wisconsin.

MANUFACTURING

Tom Marry

Promoted to President & COO of Charter Manufacturing Tom Marry has been promoted to President & COO for Charter Manufacturing, after serving as President of Charter Steel. Marry will be responsible for the strategy and overall operations of Charter Manufacturing’s four businesses.

BANKING

Waukesha State Bank Hires L. Wesley MCKenzie III as Commercial Banker

Waukesha State Bank has hired L. Wesley MCKenzie III as assistant vice president - commercial banking officer. In his new role, MCKenzie will be responsible for prospecting, developing and managing commercial loan portfolios.

HEALTHCARE

Scas Management Group Announces New Health Communication Coordinator

SMG welcomes Emily Daw as the new Health Communication Coordinator. Emily has worked in health administration for 5 years and will develop and expand communication plans, materials, policies, and procedures within SMG and other lines of business.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Nick Abresch Joins Johnson Financial Group as AVP, Commercial Banking Nick Abresch joined Johnson Financial Group as AVP, Commercial Banking. Abresch works with businesses in various industries to provide solutions including working capital, machinery and equipment, real estate, management buyouts and acquisitions.

ARCHITECTURE

HGA has named

Mark Bultman

Healthcare Market Sector Leader

HGA has named Mark Bultman Healthcare Market Sector Leader. In this key position, based out of the Milwaukee office, he will direct the performance and growth of the national healthcare practice across 12 offices.

ARCHITECTURE

Kahler Slater Promotes Trina Sandschafer to Executive Vice President

Trina Sandschafer has been promoted to Executive Vice President, providing firmwide leadership and overall strategic direction. She serves as Design Principal as well as a national leader for residential, hospitality, and corporate practices.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

John Chidester

Joins Johnson Financial Group as SVP, Commercial Banking John Chidester has joined Johnson Financial Group as SVP, Commercial Banking. With more than 13 years of experience in commercial banking, Chidester specializes in partnering with privately held, family-owned businesses in the Milwaukee area.

ARCHITECTURE

Kahler Slater Promotes Tracie Parent to Executive Vice President

Tracie Parent has been promoted to Executive Vice President, providing firmwide leadership and overall strategic direction. As CFO and COO, she oversees operations and provides executive direction to finance, technology, and human resources.

MANUFACTURING

Joel Casterton

Named President of Charter Steel

Joel Casterton has been named the President of Charter Steel, an integrated U.S. steel producer with operations in Wisconsin and Ohio. Casterton is responsible for guiding company operations to ensure growth, performance and people strategies.

HEALTHCARE

Scas Management Group Announces New Medicare Operations Coordinator

Scas Management Group welcomes Jonathan Felix as the new Medicare Operations Coordinator. Jonathan has been directing health care operations for over 12 years and will expand SMG administrative services to Medicare ACOs and Medicare Advantage Plans.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Shannon Garrity

Joins Johnson Financial Group as SVP, Commercial Banking Shannon Garrity joined Johnson Financial Group as SVP, Commercial Banking. With over 20 years of industry experience, she serves a variety of businesses, including manufacturing, nonprofits, construction, and multi-family and industrial real estate.

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