Modern Leadership with Traditional Values – an Irish Success Story

At Montauk Consulting, a large part of what I do focuses around helping people to see out rocky periods in business. We do this through implementing a development process using emotional intelligence and plans that empower the individual and their team. But another big part of managing in turbulent times is the values that we embed in our business.

I recently had the good fortune to attend an employee event hosted by Cronin Travel Group in Galway where I saw first-hand how strong values can go a long way towards helping a business remain successful and sustainable in the face of changing times. While there, I was overwhelmed by a sense that so many of the elements in this family business could teach plenty of leaders/business owners about how to operate successfully.

Cronin Travel Group was founded over 60 years ago by Dermot Cronin. Although the business has grown in that time, it is still a family business, now being run by the 3rd generation of the Cronin family. Values that Dermot instilled in the business from day one have been the guiding light over the decades to ensure that the core of the business remains true in the face of changing business environments.

Cronin Travel Group is currently headed up by Dermot’s youngest son, Derry. He told me that his father grew up on a farm and when he left the farm in his late teens he headed into the City. There, he drove a truck for the farmers union and decided to get a hackney license then bought a car to allow him to drive in the evening and at weekends. This simple model evolved to a minibus, in which he drove show bands around. This led him into the bus business and in the 1960’s Dermot got involved in tourism.

Today, Cronin Travel Group have clients in numerous international markets and a workforce of 103 staff. Derry enjoys the mentorship and wisdom of his father, is supported by a broader team, including other family members and, importantly, has the freedom to implement innovative ideas that will allow the business to continue to grow into the future. But he is still guided by the core values his father instilled in the business sixty years ago.

On the evening, Dermot was presented with a handcrafted three-legged wooden stool made in Ballinacurra, East Cork. The stool was engraved with the company’s logo and was presented by Niall C, one of the younger members of the family, to his grandfather. On the surface, this touching gift might appear just that – a nice idea. But, why a three-legged stool? Let’s look a little closer at the significance of this gift.

A three-legged stool, a staple of farmyards for many years, has the ability to remain steady on uneven ground. This is a wonderful analogy for what is needed in business, given that often it feels as though our businesses operate on inconsistent territory. The three legs also have significance – they represent both the three core elements of the business – sales, operations and finance and the three core groups of people who make the business run – the employees, customers and suppliers. Therefore, encompassed in this stool is the idea that only through the right balance between the different elements of the business and co-operation between the different people involved, can the business remain steady through uncertain times.

The way that Cronin Travel Group use these triads is impressive. When we look at the interactions between people in the company, at the event I attended, the sense of camaraderie, engagement and loyalty was palpable. Some of the staff have been with the company for decades and are now into their seventies. Yet, Cronin’s have been such a great employer that they remain with them today. This loyalty comes down to an old-fashioned value that we could do with seeing a little more of, respect.

When respect for the people involved in an organisation drives our modus operandi it filters down to all levels of business. It affects how we communicate with people, how we explain our expectations, how we deliver feedback, provide support and, of course, how we approach difficulties.

With respect as a business value, our vision for what we hope to achieve in business is that bit stronger as we deliver value and results, with a high level of integrity. As a business, Cronin’s Travel Group is not only interested in their profit margins, they are clear on their responsibilities as an employer. While they have seen good times and bad – as any business spanning 60 years would expect to – this family business has enjoyed growth each decade, which has allowed them to fulfil their obligations as an employer.

The company invest significantly in their fleet of vehicles, but apart from that, they maintain a low-cost base. Their service offering is very competitive in the market they operate in and they are committed to offering excellent service. However, what really sets Cronin Travel Group apart is the deep belief that they must treat their people, customers and suppliers with the respect they deserve.  

As many Irish businesses brace themselves for uncertain times ahead in the face of Brexit, I wanted to share an example of a company who has stood the test of time because it does the important things well. Traditional values do not mean out-dated, some traditions are best kept alive now and for future generations. I think we can all learn from the example of Cronin Travel Group.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Cronin family for inviting me to their event and also for allowing me to share their story. You can find out more about Cronin Travel Group at www.croninscoaches.com

At Montauk Consulting, I work with senior managers and executives to help them develop strong teams so that the whole organisation can perform more effectively while enjoying deeper relationships with their work colleagues that make the difference in tough situations. Contact me, Fiona, at Montauk Consulting here to discuss your current requirements.