Three LNPCA graduates discuss what the program taught them about leadership.
Leadership NPCA invites employees of NPCA producer, associate, and professional member companies to accelerate their growth as high-potential employees.
During the year-long program, the focus of learning is emotional intelligence with a heavy emphasis on self-awareness, self-management, knowledge of human differences, quality listening, feedback and motivation. Participants also work on values and personal presence, including writing and presenting a values-purpose statement.
Precast Inc. sat down with three LNPCA graduates and asked how the program has impacted them as leaders in their professional career and personal life.
Jason Cross
Norwalk Concrete Industries
General Superintendent
2017 Leadership NPCA Graduate
Provided by Norwalk Concrete Industries
Why were you interested in joining Leadership NPCA? What was happening in your career at the time you started?
I was interested in LNPCA immediately upon hearing about it. In 2016, I took on more managerial responsibilities and finished my Master Precaster and LNPCA seemed like the next logical step in my career. I went into the program excited for the opportunity, eager to learn and ready to improve as a leader.
What valuable information did you take away from the program?
Throughout the training, I learned how to work with and manage different personalities. I learned new coaching and mentoring strategies, listening skills, communication skills and presenting skills. I learned new team-building strategies, understanding different dimensions of motivation and establishing solid work relationships.
These are all great things I’m sure I will go back to often, but the most valuable realization I received throughout this process is my position of influence – how I can use my influence to lead my subordinates, my peers and my superiors.
This course has given me more confidence to proactively use my influence to positively affect those around me.
What is one thing you were not expecting to learn about?
Going into the class, I did not realize I would learn so much about myself, nor did I realize the students would be doing some of the teaching. Every single person in the class brought a different perspective, came from different backgrounds and added to the experience. I did not anticipate building such strong relationships, but I am grateful for the friendships that were established.
How has the class changed your perspective of leadership?
Now, a couple years removed from the class, I realize leadership is a journey not a destination. Leadership is an action not a title. If you are not improving, you are getting worse. We must personally and professionally strive to improve every single day we are blessed to live. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow from this experience on my leadership journey!
Jon Maxwell
Arrow Concrete Products Inc.
Plant Manager
2019 Leadership NPCA Graduate
Provided by Arrow Concrete Products Inc.
Why were you interested in joining Leadership NPCA? What was happening in your career at the time you started?
I’ve been in the precast concrete industry for 35 years as a leader, boss and plant manager, and have always been a hands-on type of person. I enjoy being on the plant floor, getting my hands dirty and keeping busy. However, the new generation of workers applying for jobs at Arrow Concrete Products are coming on board with a different work ethic than myself. I joined LNPCA to find a way to better understand the millennial generation. I received much more from the program and came back with plenty of new ideas to better approach these new workers.
What valuable lessons did you take away from the program?
The most valuable lessons I have taken away is to sit back and listen more, speak more clearly and have more eye-to-eye contact with individuals before talking. Surprisingly, a lot of what I learned blended right into my personal life as well. My daughter actually said she has even noticed a significant change in how
I am at home. I’ve taken part in many training courses throughout my career, but this was by far the best training I have ever had.
What is one thing you were not expecting to learn about?
I came into the class not expecting how open-minded everyone was going to be. For instance, have you heard the saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover?” Well, I’m that in person. People don’t easily come talk to me because I can look intimidating, being 6 feet, 5 inches tall and 350 pounds. I’m not that way at all though and everyone in my group learned that quickly. Our instructor, Jeff Patnaude, shared many personal stories about his own life, which immediately built an atmosphere that welcomed everyone to share about their own experiences and challenges. I now walk away from the program with 11 new people that I can talk to right now about anything.
Chris Reese
Easi-Set Worldwide
Senior Engineer
2019 Leadership NPCA Graduate
Provided by Easi-Set Worldwide
Why were you interested in joining Leadership NPCA? What was happening in your career at the time you started?
I’ve been in the industry for about 11 1/2 years now. I first started on the manufacturing side of the business with Smith-Midland and I am now the engineering manager for Easi-Set Worldwide. I was interested in LNPCA because I was eager and committed to advance my professional and personal career, as well as the precast concrete industry. Also, at the time my department and company were both experiencing great growth, so the timing was perfect for me to join.
What valuable lessons did you take away from the program?
There was a lot of valuable information, but certainly the listening and feedback activities helped me become a better communicator. The handbook that was provided during the program was a great resource with many great tools that I can reference back to.
Everyone’s openness and willingness to become better leaders was also very valuable. Talking with other like-minded professionals offered some great insights for becoming a better leader. Ultimately, I learned how I can better myself in order to better others.
The atmosphere and the class, and certainly the instructor, made it possible to freely participate and discuss different scenarios and challenges within your career and personal life.
How has the class changed your perspective of leadership?
Obviously, a leader is one who has the ability to inspire, has a vision for success, takes chances and exemplifies a positive attitude. However, what struck home for me during the course was learning about self-awareness and self-acceptance.
Understanding how to manage yourself successfully leads to a successful career as a leader.
Why would you recommend NPCA members join the next group?
It’s a great step toward achieving a successful journey to become a better leader. It was a wealth of information and, along with the relationships and networking involved, the programming is invaluable
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