When was the last time you were a part of an unbeatable force? The opportunity is only a decision away. Picture yourself engaged with a group of your peers in the landscape industry, sharing ideas, investigating innovative approaches and setting into action goals that you know will improve every important aspect of your company. . . and you’re doing it with a positive mental attitude.
If this sounds too good to be true, read on about one such event that took place in Cleveland, Ohio, in August, then challenge yourself to apply the principles to create your own Jam Session.
As a consultant and speaker to the green industry, I’ve wanted to bring together some of my key clients in a way that they could share ideas on common processes and systems I’ve helped them implement and brainstorm ways to enhance them. Present at the event which took place at a golf course resort near Cleveland were owners from, Ground-masters, Cincinnati; Yardmaster, Cleveland; Allin Companies, Erie Pa.; ND Landscaping, Boston; Greenscapes, Columbus, Ohio; Lifestyles Landscaping, Cleveland; Hatcher and Associates, Nashville, Tenn. Scott’s Lawn Care, Cleveland; Kinnucan Companies, Chicago; and JFD Landscapes, Cleveland. They maee up a forum was called “Leadership Jam ’98.”
| Put it Together. | |
| Program Itinerary: | |
| Following is one day of the itinerary from the Jam Session presented by Jim Paluch in Cleveland. | |
| 9:00 The Vision | 1:15 Training |
| 10:00 The Market | 3:15 Systems |
| 11:00 Teamwork | 4:15 Cost Control |
| 12:00 Certification | 5:00 Positive Peer Pressure |
JAMMING ON YOUR OWN.
Pre-meeting planning
Faxes and updates were continually sent to the participants soliciting ideas for the agenda, and developing the program. Homework assignments were given that would be part of the presentation and discussions at the meetings. With these assignments, specific attendees were given one topic to focus on that they would make an introductory 10- to 15-minute presentation on that would lead into group discussion. This way, everyone came with a clear concept of what would be discussed and the role they would play in the discussion.
Set the appropriate atmosphere
The golf resort was chosen to allow for an afternoon of golf and to provide the trails for early morning runs. The meeting room was set in a U-shape to allow for better communication within the group. A cook out on the first evening gave a relaxed atmosphere for conversation and the exchange of ideas.
Develop a common agenda.
Each of the participants were familiar with JP Horizons’ business development process called ‘organizational excitement,’ the agenda evolved around the key elements of: creating a vision, dominating market niches, creating teamwork, developing training, implementing systems, controlling costs, rewarding employees, and certification within the landscape industry.
Use defined focus questions.
The topic of creating a vision was discussed in the context of the question, “What are you doing on a day-to- day basis to instill the mission statement into your organization?” A clear and defined focus question will help keep the discussion on track and produce practical ideas that can be implemented for results.
The author is president of JP Horizons, a green industry consulting firm based in Painesville, Ohio. He can be reached at 440/254-8211.
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