#JTInTheRaw Show 16: Going To War On Talent & Your Leadership Skills Support Your War

I just listened to this week’s podcast as part of #Podtober and Chantal’s interview with Rasmus from IHRSA, Wexer and REPEAT is sensational! If you’re in the fitness industry this is compulsory listening, click here to listen.  #JustListen.

If you stay tuned in today, then you’ll hear why we need to go to war for talent, the role of leaders in companies, and a great opportunity.

#JTShoutout…

Three shout outs this week go to:

# 1 Jai & Hamish from Proactive Business Podcast and Steve & Matt from Gym Wipes.  Thanks to these two companies for jumping onto the Active Management supplier directory.  Great to have you on board!  FYI – we are building a supplier directory for people who want to talk to fitness business owners.  If you’re keen to know more give me a yell.  If you’re an owner or manager, check out www.activemgmt.com.au/supplier-directory.

#2 Daragh, Cindy, Troy, Amber & Brikitta from the Club Owners Roundtable.  We just had an incredible 3 days of working out together, exploring new and enhanced ways to run our fitness businesses, and providing invaluable feedback to our host.  We had some powerful discussions and honest chats.  Thanks guys and girls for your candor, honesty and for just being so damn cool!

#3 Emmett Williams from MyZone who with Lorna Jane, Maria Teresa Stone as the latest inductees in the Fitness Australia Roll of Honour.  I know Emmett and this is well deserved honour.  Congrats mate.

#AskJT

If you have questions for me, tweet them using #AskJT, Facebook me or email me!

This week I had a question from Ben who asked me “What is the Industry Leaders Roundtable that you speak of?”

The Industry Leaders Roundtable is the most unique personal and professional development program in the fitness industry.  Ten non-competing business owners coming together to collaborate on making their businesses stronger.

Perhaps a better answer Ben is this:

• Roundtable member one says they have extended the length of membership from 300 days to 500 days thanks to Roundtable ideas.
• Roundtable member two says they saved $20K thanks to a focus on the expenses on the P & L

The Industry Leaders Roundtable in Australia and REX Roundtables in the US and Europe are the most unique environments for business owners.  If you want any information on joining the Club Owners Roundtables or any of the PT roundtables I run, email me now.

Book Review

This week I’ve been catching up on my reading of the Harvard Business Review.  Yes I am one of those geeks who read this magazine!  There is always an article or a concept discussed that is relevant to small business.

A component of an article I read really popped for me and it was title ‘Go To War For Talent.’  The article said that HR is traditionally focused on compliance, record keeping and support.  But the future of business – your business – is based on how you attract and keep talent.

This means human asset management must be a priority for every business.  As the business owner or manager you have to be focused on improving:

• Recruiting
• Screening
• Onboarding
• Compensating
• Engaging
• Retaining
• Developing

What’s probably more important is that you must create an engaging workplace or environment.  You must continually improve your reputation as an employer of choice.

Last week we talked about having staff work in their strength zone.  That is having them engaged. If you missed show 15, click here to watch.

What are you doing to be an employer of choice?

If you are competing for talent, what are you offering above and beyond compensation/money to attract and keep talent?

I challenge you to develop a 3 or 5 or 7 point list of WHY people should work for you and stay working for you.

No matter the size of your business, you need to go to war for talent.  It is a strong metaphor, going to war but the labour market is tight and you can no longer not have a focus on your people.  Pour your energy in to your greatest asset to your business the people.

Interestingly, Ryan from Australian Fitness Network shot me the link to video interview with Simon Sinek.  Awesome!!!! Thanks Ryan

Here is the link to the interview.

And it was fascinating that some of Sinek’s insights reinforced designing your leadership to be an employer of choice.

Sinek said:

We are social animals & we respond to the people and the environment we are in.  This means, it is not just the people but the environment that leaders are responsible for!

He gave an example of Noah a barista:

• Four Seasons – “I love my job because every manager asks how I’m doing, do I need anything & I can be myself”
• Caesars Palace – “Managers check to make sure I am doing everything right & catch me doing things wrong.”

This is the same individual responding to ‘work’ differently based on leadership.

Many times leaders think they’re responsible for the results … Leaders are responsible for the people who are in turn responsible for the results.

Take care of the people & environment and the business will go just fine.

It is an awesome 60 minutes!  And very powerful.  Here is the link to the interview.

Next Week

Tonight I’m off to the Fitness Australia Gala Dinner, so if you are there grab me and tell me what you think of #JTInTheRaw.

I have some very cool chats planned on Monday and Tuesday.  Everything from coaching sessions, to new industry product knowledge and some personal training sessions for Active Management members in #CatchUpMonth. If you are an Active Management member who wants some PT sessions to get the most from your membership, click here.

It is week two of Roundtables and next week it is the Aussie Anytime Fitness Franchisees turn.  We head to Queensland for a club inspection and then chatting around unique marketing strategies.

Next Friday is FitnessBiz Brunch in Brisbane.  And I have to admit this is a really exciting presentation as I take inside gyms, studios and boutiques from around the world.  I give SO many tips to help make your business better.  Grab a ticket at www.FitnessBizBrunch.com.au.

Next week will be show 17 from Brisbane!

Remember please share the show if you think there is someone who should go to war for talent, should join the Industry Leaders Roundtable to enhance their business or come to FitnessBiz Brunch.

Quote of the Week . . .

“Leaders are responsible for the people who are in turn responsible for the results.”

Check out previous shows here:

JT

Justin is the Managing Director of Active Management, which he began January 2004. He offers coaching to businesses worldwide in everything from start up and design to marketing and sales systems. Justin also facilitates four Australian and New Zealand ‘fitness industry roundtables’ events, which allows him to see a huge cross section of business models.

www.activemgmt.com.au