“Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” ― John C. Maxwell
This quote, by one of my favorite motivational speakers, sums up what I try to accomplish on a daily basis. When a person is in a position to influence others, there is a great responsibility on their shoulders to lead by example. People will naturally follow the path a good leader sets in front of them.
Throughout my 18 years with Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen, I’ve had a leadership role in which I’ve always tried to challenge myself to be better. I want to progress and to see those influenced by my words and actions reflect what we’ve tried to instill in them as a company. It is challenging, but has definitely paid off.
As the former General Manager at Gringo’s Pearland “The Original”, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing many of my team members work their way from the starting level all the way to the top, and now share in the company’s leadership roles. From General Manager to now a Vice President of Operations, I also continue to seek guidance and motivation from those above me. The Lord is always with me in everything I set forth to accomplish and I ask for His guidance on a daily basis. In my eyes, there is no better example.
Our President, Russell Ybarra, has also been a huge influence through his leadership and guidance. He is a prime model in leading by example. For instance, Russell has told the story of witnessing a small boy exiting a bathroom stall, leaving what Russell described as “islands in the stream” behind him. Rather than flag down a busser and ask that they perform their hourly-check up, Russell proceeded to clean up the situation himself. He went on to explain that while management shouldn’t be assigned restroom duty, they should be willing to take care of any situation, no matter how remedial or demeaning it may appear. How many of us could say we wouldn’t have simply walked out and hoped the next person entering the restroom didn’t think we had left the problem? Actions speak volumes to those looking for guidance.
Just recently, our corporate team provided our managers with the know-how on budgeting and bettering their financial situations through education classes and incentives. We also started a health and fitness program for our higher-level management, which includes an incentive for achieving excellent results. These two examples aren’t typically found in the daily discussions of work, but if we can influence managers to have control in these areas, what other aspects of their lives will they gain more control and, in turn, how will they influence those around them?
To me, success in leadership comes in the form of opportunity. The opportunity to be an influence to those around me, and to see them develop into the best leaders they can be. We all lead by example!
