Joe says, “When you rub the shoulders of large CEOs of organizations, you can benchmark yourself.”
As retired CEO of Tractor Supply, Joe is quite the benchmark himself! He changed the trajectory of Tractor Supply, brought the company to Nashville, and his leadership has largely made the brand what it is today.
We are lucky enough to have Joe in our McWhorter Circle and as a valued member of our community. He embodies Stuart McWhorter’s four principles, and has several of his own pearls of wisom to share.
In Joe’s own words, here’s his top 10 tips on leadership:
1) Never compromise your principles.
Always do the right thing no matter what, all the time.
2) Surround yourself with great people.
The most important decisions you will make in business are the selection of people you surround yourself with (and the biggest challenges in business are always people challenges). We all will make bad decisions. When you do — do something about it. And wherever you see promising people, help them get ahead. They will not forget you for it!
3) Set clear direction.
People who work for you should never be confused. Make sure everyone knows where you’re going, and has input into it too! When you communicate the vision for the future of your company, its amazing how people can help you get there. And if there is a difference of opinion, talk it out.
4) Delegate, delegate, delegate!
Lift out of the details and focus on the broader perspective. When immersed in the work, there’s often little time to look over the hill or around the corner. In terms of decision-making, very few decisions need to be made at the top level. Leaders should focus on high-level personnel and strategic decisions, always with input from the team. Everyday decision-making should be pushed down to where it belongs!
5) Build a teamwork environment.
Our job as leaders is to support and listen, and do whatever we can to make our teams successful. Celebrate every success! The simplest way to motivate people in work is to pat people on the back. Building teamwork is a continual process and you have to think about it all the time.
6) Develop your knowledge base.
Keep learning all the time. Network, make coldcalls, read (see Joe’s book list). If you’re not sure what to do, ask your boss or someone around you. If you work for me, I always say “What is your learning agenda?” Everybody needs to be learning.
7) Develop your communication skills.
The further you move up the ladder, the more important communication is. Take every opportunity you have to speak in front of a group. Like any other skill in life, the more you do it, the better you get at it. Develop your writing skills. If you need help, get a coach. Speaking in public, listening, and writing all become tremendously important in a leadership role.
8) Your image counts.
You may disagree, but what you look like counts. If you dress like a slob, people think you’re a slob. Look the part. And if you stick your hand out, smile and shake hands, that’s a plus for you! Put a personal message on your voicemail – sell yourself and do something that shows your personality. Change your greeting at least once a month.
9) Take time to really think.
Two or three times a year, take a notepad and head somewhere without your phone. Close your eyes and reflect on the following: 1) How am I doing in my job? What do I need to change or improve? What have I overlooked? What’s on the horizon? 2) Reflect on your career. Am I where I want to be? Do I want to advance further? What are my plans for getting there? What’s the next step, and do I want to take it? Do I have a clear plan? 3) Consider your personal life and everything that matters to you.
You may change a few things about your life for the better.
10) Live long and be healthy.
Keep your body active. Keep your blood flowing. If you’re gonna sit back on the couch and eat potato chips, you ain’t gonna be around too long!
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