Beyond the Hammer: A Fresh Approach to Leadership, Culture, and Building High-Performance Teams
| Brian Gottlieb, 2024
What’s It All About?
This title caught me right away! In three words, it says so much about leadership—and Brian Gottlieb’s Beyond the Hammer: A Fresh Approach to Leadership, Culture, and Building High-Performance Teams definitely offers a new approach to leadership!
The first half of Beyond the Hammer centers on the fictional story of George, a business owner who struggles with tired employees, unhappy customers, and high turnover. These are all problems I hear about while working with manufacturing leaders, and Beyond the Hammer allows readers to hear real-world lessons, all throughout the fictional story of George. Through his story, you’ll likely recognize challenges you’ve encountered at your own plant. As you take this journey with George, you’ll also find fresh solutions you can apply to spot and resolve challenges in your life.
In the second half, Beyond the Hammer breaks down five pillars for leadership:
- Belief is transferable – Leaders in-still hope by believing in their people.
- Leaders shape culture through purpose and direction – Culture isn’t accidental; leaders create it.
- Leaders are aware of the echo of their voice – What you say—and don’t say—has a lasting impact.
- Leaders model their business as a training organization – Growth isn’t optional; it’s a necessity.
- Managers need a checklist – Clarity and structure drive execution.
Favorite Quotes
“Every team member will determine what type of day they’re going to have based on what type of day the leader is having.”
“How your team thinks about things (their mindset) affects how they feel about things. How they think and feel impact how they act, their behavior.”
Biggest Takeaway
What’s the difference between a manager and leader? This question has been discussed many times in manufacturing, and Brian Gottlieb presents an interesting point in Beyond the Hammer. He argues that a manager and leader are often the same person, just with different hats. Which hat they wear depends on the circumstances! In their leader hat, they will inspire and elevate others, while leading through others and acting strategically. In their manager hat, they’ll navigate the day-to-day, with a focus on ensuring standards and systems are being followed.
I agree with the point that these two responsibilities are “ands,” rather than “or.” When a leader provides autonomy and vision but doesn’t hold people responsible, it can result in chaos. Great lessons for addressing leadership gaps!
Bonus Information
Stay tuned to the Mindfulness Manufacturing Podcast to hear more from Brian Gottlieb!