Why Great Leaders Are Learn-It-Alls, Not Know-It-Alls | Damon Lembi

Why Great Leaders Are Learn-It-Alls,
Not Know-It-Alls | Damon Lembi

Embracing Leadership and Growth:
Insights from a Former Pro Athlete Turned Coach

🎙️Get inspired with how a professional baseball player pivots into the coaching business in the latest episode of MBS Podcast with Damon Lembi, a former professional baseball player turned author and coach. His book, "Learn It All Leader: Mindsets, Traits, and Tools," is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to excel in leadership and personal development. Damon's three-step mantra - work hard, focus, and learn to let go. It's not just about hitting home runs in sports but also in the business world. In this blog post, I'll share the key insights and stories from our conversation that can help you, as a small business owner or entrepreneur, to elevate your game.

From the Diamond to the Boardroom: Damon Lemb's Journey

Damon's transition from the baseball field to the coaching business is a story of resilience and adaptability. He candidly discussed his battle with imposter syndrome and how he overcame it through a three-step approach: working hard, maintaining focus, and learning to let go. This mindset is crucial for anyone stepping into new roles or industries.

Leadership vs. Management: The Small Business Conundrum

One of the main topics we delved into was the distinction between leadership and management, especially in the context of small businesses. Damon underscored the importance of setting a clear vision and the need for both leaders and managers within a company. He stressed that while managers handle the day-to-day operations, leaders inspire and guide the vision of the organization.

The Art of Building a Winning Team

During our conversation, Damon emphasized the significance of hiring and nurturing a strong team. He advised small business owners to hire individuals who are smarter than themselves in different areas. This allows entrepreneurs to focus on their strengths and gives their team the autonomy to manage and execute tasks effectively.

Investing in Your Team: A Strategy for Scalability

Patience and the willingness to let team members learn from their mistakes are key to helping them grow. Damon and I discussed the strategic aspect of hiring, considering the value of one's time and the potential ROI when bringing on new talent. Investing in your team is not just a financial commitment but also involves providing clear directions and empowering them through delegation.

Marketing Magic: Using Incentives to Stand Out

We explored creative marketing strategies, such as offering incentives like complimentary hotel stays and restaurant savings vouchers at trade shows. I shared how using countertop signage or a big poster banner to promote a luxury getaway can attract attendees to your booth, generate leads, and close sales, all while being cost-effective.

The Power of Belief: A Sales Team Success Story

Reflecting on my own experience, I recounted how an underestimated new hire on my sales team achieved 24 sales in a single day, shattering the weekly minimum requirement. This story highlights the incredible impact that belief and expectation can have on performance.

The Trust Tax: Building Positive Business Relationships

Damon introduced the concept of the "trust tax," the idea of approaching business interactions with trust, despite the risk of betrayal. Learning from negative experiences and maintaining a positive outlook is essential for future success.

The "Learn It All" Leader: A New Paradigm

Damon contrasted "know it alls" with "learn it alls," advocating for humility, curiosity, integrity, and courage in leadership. Drawing from his sports background, he highlighted the parallels between managing a sports team and leading a business, emphasizing the need for a clear vision, competitiveness, and embracing failure as part of the journey.

Beyond the "Family" Business: Building an Elite Team

Challenging the notion of referring to employees as "family," Damon advocated for treating them as a team. He stressed the importance of making bold decisions for the growth of the business, including letting go of employees who may not fit the evolving needs of the organization.

In a rapidly changing business landscape, Damon encouraged small business owners to anticipate future needs and maintain a mindset of curiosity and growth. He invites you to connect with him on the links below and explore the resources on the Learn It website.

https://www.learnit.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/

https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi/

https://twitter.com/damonlembi

https://youtube.com/@damonlembi

This episode provided a wealth of insights into effective leadership, the importance of trust, and the benefits of investing in team training and automation. As small business owners, embracing these principles can lead to significant growth and success. I encourage you to engage with the content, share this podcast with fellow entrepreneurs, and provide us with your valuable feedback. Together, let's continue to learn and lead with excellence.