Leading with CARE: Communication, Awareness, Responsibility, and Energy featuring Steve Preston

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In a compelling episode of the Culture From The Heart Podcast, Steve Preston, President of Performance Foodservice in Fairfield, Ohio, unfolds his philosophy on leadership that's less about dictating and more about demonstrating genuine care for employees. Here, we explore how to be transparent, have tough conversations, and build a learning culture, drawing from Steve's insights.

Be Transparent

Steve advocates for a leadership style where transparency is not just a policy but a practice.?

• Question for Leaders: How transparent are your interactions with your team? Does your transparency extend beyond operational updates to include your own vulnerabilities and uncertainties?
• Insight: Transparency builds trust but requires leaders to 'lead by walking around'. This physical presence and openness foster an environment where employees feel valued and informed.

Have Tough Conversations

The culture at Performance Food Service thrives on a principle of care, encapsulated in the acronym CARE - Communicate, Awareness, Responsibility, and Energy.?

• Question: When faced with difficult situations, how do you ensure your communication is both responsible and aware?
• Insight: Having tough conversations isn't just about confrontation; it's about communicating with awareness and taking responsibility. It's about fostering a culture where feedback, even when critical, is seen as a "blessing" that propels growth.

Build a Learning Culture

Steve's leadership also emphasizes the importance of energy - both in giving it and recognizing it.?

• Question: How do you cultivate an environment where energy is contagious, driving learning and innovation?
• Insight: Celebrating small wins and recognizing positive behaviors not only boosts morale but also builds a learning culture where energy is directed towards personal and professional development.

Implementing and Sustaining a Caring Culture

• Practical Strategy: Engage in 'leadership by walking around' to show genuine care. This isn't just about being seen but about seeing - eye contact, listening, and understanding the day-to-day realities of your team.
• Leadership Role: Leaders must consistently embody and communicate the values of CARE. This visibility and consistency are what embed these values into the company's culture.
• Employee Recognition: Acknowledge contributions, big or small. When employees see that their efforts resonate, they're more likely to invest energy back into the organization.

Quotes to Live By

Steve's philosophy is encapsulated in several powerful quotes:

• "Leading by example, showing up means a lot more to people than dictating to them what you want them to do."
• "It's all about giving a rip about your people."
• "Energy is very contagious, positively and negatively."