Edmunds Career Growth & Development

Describe your leadership philosophy as it relates to employee engagement.

A successful team is built on an understanding of what drives each individual within the group. As a leader, it is paramount to truly understand your employees; their motivations, aspirations and unique working styles. This knowledge enables me to provide resources that align with employee talents, empowering them to perform at their best and make meaningful contributions.

Effective communication and mutual trust are absolutely fundamental when providing feedback. Feedback should be a constructive dialogue, not a one-way street. When employees trust their leaders, they are more receptive to feedback, viewing it as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism. This transparent and respectful approach builds a stronger, more resilient team.

Recognizing accomplishments, both individual and collective, is crucial for fostering an inclusive and positive atmosphere. Celebrating successes, no matter how small, reinforces positive behaviors and demonstrates that every contribution is valued. An inclusive environment where every voice is heard and every contribution is recognized builds an engaged, motivated team committed to shared goals.

What types of resources — coaching, tools training, mentorship, etc. — does your team leverage to keep sellers engaged? How does this engagement directly impact their success and the success of the business?

Peer-to-peer mentorship is a powerful tool for building team synergy and success. I’ve found that individuals often learn most effectively from those who share similar experiences, challenges and successes. The synergy created through these shared journeys empowers team members to support, motivate and elevate each other toward collective and individual triumphs. We put this approach into practice by strategically transforming team meetings into interactive learning hubs.

We dedicate significant portions of these gatherings to success story sharing, where team members discuss their achievements and the strategies that led to them, providing tangible examples for others to emulate. We also create a safe space for open discussion on overcoming challenges, allowing peers to offer insights, alternative approaches and empathetic support. This collaborative problem-solving strengthens resilience and fosters a sense of shared purpose. Lastly, we use these meetings for focused training and open discussion on a specific topic, report or skill area. This hands-on, interactive learning is often more impactful than traditional top-down instruction.

What advice would you offer to leaders in your field eager to drive greater engagement on their sales teams?

Consistency is key to effective leadership, and it starts with consistent communication. By implementing weekly team meetings and monthly or bi-weekly one-on-one sessions, you ensure that your direct reports feel heard, which in turn fosters a culture of trust and transparency. These regular check-ins are the perfect opportunity to set clear expectations, define monthly goals and track progress toward them.

Beyond day-to-day work, it is essential to build a positive and supportive environment. This means celebrating achievements, no matter their scale, as every success contributes to the broader objectives. Recognizing these wins significantly boosts employee morale, cultivating an atmosphere that promotes team camaraderie and a collective determination to succeed.

Ultimately, a truly supportive leader leads by example. While you may not have all the answers, actively seeking solutions to remove obstacles is crucial. Always treat your employees with the same respect and consideration you expect to receive, setting a clear standard for how team members should interact with one another.