JD Ploetz, a long-time area manager at Tommy Mello's company and author of "Nothing Changes When Nothing Changes," shares valuable insights into leadership and personal growth. He reflects on his transition from technician to manager, emphasizing the need for strong leadership and team culture. JD discusses actionable strategies for financial stability and the importance of accountability within teams. He also explores how embracing change and utilizing AI can drive both personal and professional growth, making this conversation a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone in the trades.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Humble Beginnings
JD Ploetz started as a technician at A1 Garage Door Service in Tucson.
Initially, they lacked a shop, highlighting the company's humble beginnings.
insights INSIGHT
Beginner's Mind
JD's younger technicians succeeded due to their "beginner's mind".
They lacked preconceived notions, allowing them to follow instructions without overthinking.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Spending Habits
Financial problems are often spending problems, not production problems.
Saving money at higher incomes requires addressing spending habits.
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This book, first published in 1989, outlines seven habits that are designed to help individuals become more effective in their personal and professional lives. The habits are grouped into three categories: Private Victory (habits 1-3), Public Victory (habits 4-6), and Renewal (habit 7). The habits include being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win-win, seeking first to understand and then to be understood, synergizing, and sharpening the saw. Covey emphasizes the importance of personal integrity, effective time management, empathetic communication, and continuous self-improvement[2][5][4].
Nothing Changes When Nothing Changes
Nothing Changes When Nothing Changes
JD Ploetz
Tommy Mello
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
A Leadership Fable
Patrick Lencioni
This book explores the fundamental causes of team failure and organizational politics through a narrative about a fictional company, DecisionTech, Inc. It outlines five dysfunctions: absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. The book provides practical advice and real-world examples to help teams overcome these dysfunctions and become high-performing teams.
The One Minute Manager
Spencer Johnson
Kenneth Blanchard
The One Minute Manager is a concise and easily readable book that tells the story of a young man's search for an effective manager. The book reveals three key techniques: One Minute Goals, which involve setting clear and concise goals; One Minute Praisings, which emphasize recognizing employees when they do something right; and One Minute Reprimands (later updated to One Minute Redirects in the new edition), which focus on immediate feedback on mistakes while valuing the employee. These techniques are designed to improve productivity, job satisfaction, and personal prosperity within organizations.
Elevate
Build A Business Where Everybody Wins
Tommy Mello
Tommy Mello's "Elevate" offers a practical guide to building and developing high-performing teams. The book shares insights from his experience at A1 Garage Door Service, a $200 million company. Mello details strategies for attracting, training, and motivating employees to achieve shared goals. The book emphasizes the importance of accountability, clear communication, and creating a positive work environment. Readers will learn how to transform their teams into cohesive, high-achieving units.
In this episode, JD Ploetz, a long-time area manager at Tommy’s company, shares his journey as a seasoned leader and manager, growth, leadership, and overcoming challenges in the trades industry. JD reflects on his early days as a technician and the evolution of his role into management, eventually overseeing multiple locations. He opens up about the struggles of managing people, balancing business growth, and the importance of leadership in creating a successful team culture. JD also discusses his recent book, Nothing Changes When Nothing Changes, which highlights actionable advice on personal development, time management, and financial responsibility. He shares how these principles have transformed his own life and how he’s using them to mentor his team and help them navigate not only their careers but also their personal challenges. This episode is packed with insights on leadership, personal growth, and the power of building trust within a team.
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