Workforce issues noted at ‘Leadership Jazz’

360 Leadership Series presented the final fall session — “Leadership Jazz” — with a panel of Tim Bailey, Craig Pair and Melody Trimble who described how they lead their organizations to perform.

Panelists answered questions previously submitted by 360 Leadership Series attendees.

The 360 Leadership Series was created by a group of business professionals whose mission is to provide professional development and networking opportunities for professionals in the Fort Smith region.

Tim Bailey is the president of Candy Craze, a family owned chain of bulk candy stores.

Craig Pair, a native of Fort Smith, started Control Technologies Inc.

Melody Trimble joined Sparks Health System in December 2009 as CEO.

“Leadership Jazz” explored generational differences in employees, how technology will impact future leadership, maintaining employee enthusiasm and leadership secession.

All panelists agreed there are generational differences in the workforce and an employer has to be sensitive to every age group and flexible with working hours and benefits. Pair noted that in industrial automation, older workers like to specialize and know everything they can about a task and are loyal. With younger workers, they want to know a little about everything, want training and then move on and are not on task every second.

Because of technology, information flows faster than ever before.

Bailey said “leadership is influence.” He noted it is not possible for him to be in front of all his employees of 30 stores in 11 states. So, Candy Craze has a proprietary site, Sweet Talk, to help influence his workforce.

Pair said everyone on the factory floor has a computer with everyone having access to more information and the ability to help with solutions. Trimble said in healthcare technology has changed the way they function, especially with new diagnostic and treatment systems.

Maintaining enthusiasm among employees begins at the top they agreed. They also said that if you are doing exactly what you are meant to do, express your passion to others. Trimble said they have a “bed huddle” every morning and discuss “what we need to do.” She said you have to be flexible and put others first. Pair added ”if you give your employees the rein, they will have ownership. Everyone gives input on why we are successful.”

In planning for the future, Trimble said they empower people to sustain results when you are not there at all levels. But Bailey and Pairnoted it was hard to do in a small business.

”You feel you can do it better and faster than anyone,” Bailey said.