Episode 025 - Amy Frankmann

 

This is the most honest, personal and captivating episode we have to date. Amy Frankmann, Executive Director of the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association talks to Mike Bills about her journey from questioning whether she was in the right line of work to becoming a leader her colleagues seek out for insight and problem solving.

QUOTE IT:

“[Creating space] is not about time, as I learned. It’s actually looking at everything in a different way. Like stepping outside the association’s front door and looking in.” (7:20)

“It’s about finding the opportunity, instead of going in and doing your job and not allowing the interaction with others [to happen].” (11:00)

“Every meeting I went to, even if it was for 5 minutes after the meeting with a leader I had identified...I would find somebody and talk to them. And I would come out of it with one great thing.” (12:10)

DIG IN:

At 9:10 Mike asks Amy how she was able to transition from being heavily involved in the day to day processes to stepping back and using her time differently. Her answer is the best advice any executive could have for how to create more connections.

Mike and Amy have an ‘aha’ moment around 17:00 about how the process sometimes inhibits the product. Keep listening as they talk about how barriers to growth and success are not in the marketplace.

TAKEAWAYS

1 - It doesn’t have to be lonely at the top! When you find the courage to share your difficulties and experiences with your peers, they are often empowered to admit similar things.

2 - Being exposed as not knowing it all is the number one fear executives talk about time and time again. But once you put it out there, you attract a network of people that want to connect, share ideas and work together to figure out the challenges you’re up against.

3 - Intentionally step outside of your day-to-day grind to get a different perspective on how you, your staff, and the organization are doing things. Where can you move pieces around to get a better outcome?

4 - Asking questions everywhere - in committee meetings, with staff, at lunch with a colleague - can move you from being overwhelmed and paralyzed to finding new and different approaches to the same challenges.

5 - Creating space for new opportunity does not have to be a significant time commitment. Assess how you are using the time you have and put yourself in the position to get fresh insight.

6 - As a leader, don’t be afraid of giving up a little control over staff output. Let them shine and excel and your products and services will shine and excel.