When it comes to running a successful business, leaders often grapple with the temptation to keep all the reins in their hands. But what if letting go could actually steer your company toward greater achievements? On the latest episode of HVAC Revealed, our guest Scott Bidwell, a seasoned leader at Dallas Plumbing, dropped valuable gems on the power of trust and autonomy in business.
Give your team the autonomy to lead within set guidelines and support them when they stumble.
Scott’s philosophy is simple yet profound. “It’s about demonstrating how tasks should be done but then stepping back to allow others to lead,” he shared. This approach nudges us to think beyond bossing around. It’s like showing someone how to ride a bike but letting them pedal on their own. Scott believes that when we do things ourselves to set an example and trust our team to take over, we build a culture where everyone grows.
For business owners, Scott’s approach is a golden takeaway. Just like Scott emphasized, “Give your team the autonomy to lead within set guidelines and support them when they stumble.” Imagine a soccer coach training his players and then trusting them to make the right moves during the game. With this level of trust, team members develop their skills and boost their confidence and commitment to the business.
Scott has lived this lesson through his own experiences. He shared how transitioning from a commercial company to a residential focus led to some tough times financially. But rather than hide the numbers, Scott took a leap of faith. “I shared the financial data with my team to prompt them to make decisions about necessary changes,” he said. It’s like letting the whole family decide on the budget, so everyone understands where the money goes.
One beautiful thing Scott shared is how this autonomy cultivates a culture of learning and responsibility. “We need to encourage learning from mistakes and taking responsibility for fixing errors,” he stressed. Consider a classroom where students are allowed to discuss their answers. They learn more from their mistakes than just listening to the teacher.
It’s all about reframing perspectives.
Scott’s wisdom doesn’t end here. He also talked about how important it is for businesses to invest in training and coaching for the entire staff. “Educating the team on business expenses helps them understand pricing and value,” Scott pointed out. It’s like teaching kids how to save their allowance so they can spend it wisely.
A striking example Scott shared was the “one truck exercise” he uses to teach his team about the expenses of running a business. Just like showing a young person how much it costs to fill up a car with gas, this exercise opens eyes to real-world costs. “It’s all about reframing perspectives,” Scott advised.
According to Scott, the main goal is to teach the numbers and the reasons behind those numbers, the ‘whys’ of the business. This knowledge equips the team to comply with the processes and succeed. Just like knowing why you have to eat your veggies makes you a healthier person.
Now, every business owner wants their company to grow, and Scott has set his sights on big goals for Dallas Plumbing. With a current annual budget of 13.5 million, he aims to “increase it to 16-17 million in 2024, with input and buy-in from my managers.” This part is like setting a goal to hit a home run and practicing every day to achieve it. You bring everyone on the team into the game plan, looking at the past plays, strategizing for the future, and understanding your strengths and weaknesses.
Business growth is not just about pushing harder but also smarter. Scott swears by daily check-in routines for sales and revenue. He highlighted, “The importance of tracking daily sales performance and making up for any shortfall.” It’s as if you’re saving month by month for that big toy you want, keeping a close eye on your piggy bank.
In the end, it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about the people. “It’s vital to keep promises, understand motivations, and create a positive work environment,” Scott suggested. When you show that you care about your team, not just as workers but as people, you build a family within your company.
Scott’s journey is not just an inspiring story; it’s a roadmap for anyone looking to lead with wisdom. By empowering your team, investing in their growth, and leading with a culture of autonomy and accountability, you set your business on a path to success. It’s not about holding the paintbrush forever; it’s about passing it on and watching as the masterpiece unfolds.
For those tuning into HVAC Revealed, remember what Scott Bidwell shared today. Take these insights and weave them into the fabric of your businesses. And yes, discussions can be part of your daily learning routine. So, talk about these ideas, apply them, and watch your business transform! Keep tapping into the richness of HVAC Revealed for more wisdom from the industry’s best.
Watch His YouTube Episode Here
Until next time,
Evan and Thaddeus
