John Quincy Adams, sixth President of the United States, noted that “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
Adams’ definition of a leader incorporates the intangible skills Soave Enterprises hopes to develop through its new Leadership Academy. Fifteen key employees from Ferrous Processing & Trading and MPS Group are participating in the program that represents a commitment to developing talent from within the company.
“We are dedicated to growing and nurturing our managers,” details Ed Schwartz, President of the Soave Industrial Group. “This program is an investment in them and the effectiveness of our future leaders.”
Marcia Moss, Soave’s Corporate Director of Human Resources, explains that “The Leadership Academy assists leaders in building and maintaining mutually rewarding relationships with their employees through communication and motivation. Over the months’ long process, the participants learn delegating and coaching skills, develop self-management skills and improve human relations skills.”
With classroom time, advance assignments, homework and group team building outings, the participants maximize their learning with a variety of presentation techniques, including both individual and group projects. “On-the-job, practical applications are an important part of each session,” comments Moss.
To complete the group project component, three teams were formed to research, plan and implement a strategic idea that benefits their company. Members of Soave’s executive team serve as mentors for the project teams. The teams will present their final results in June for their fellow Leadership Academy participants and the executive management group. The group project efforts are focusing on: “Soave Industrial Group Service Integration Project,” “Restore the MOR” and “Large Scale/Multi-Year Bid and Implementation Process.”
The Academy experience isn’t all hard-driving, serious work – sometimes it’s just driving. This spring, the classmates took to the racetrack on souped up, electric go-karts for a team bonding event. SLC Recycling’s General Manager Tony Levin took top honors by zipping around JD Racing Indoor Karting at speeds of up to 40 mph.
Leadership Academy instructor Shelley Riebel complimented the Soave teams. “The MPS Group and Ferrous Leadership Academy participants are terrific,” she praised. “They come well prepared to class, they willingly engage in meaningful discussions and they are building a strong network. It is a pleasure to work with the team!”