Summary

“You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people to get what they want.” by Zig Ziglar

Jeff McManus grows things. As the Director of Landscape Services at the University of Mississippi, he grows plants…he grows people…
he grows ideas. Jeff is a problem-solver, understanding that doing more with less is a 21st century mandate.

In Jeff’s primary line of work he realized that growing the people were critical to growing the plants. Understanding that all humans either strive for or have within them the innate elements of Greatness, Resiliency, Opportunity and Wisdom, Jeff developed his GROW-theory into an impactful management and professional development leadership program for his staff.

In this episode we discuss how to promote and grow others and develop a strong culture through great leadership. Many of the takeouts in this episode can be transferred to each of our lives individually to develop and create a life with greater passion and purpose.

His message rings true for any industry leader or manager looking to grow a high-performance and dedicated workforce. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did and would love to receive your feedback. Until next time, peace, passion and purpose.

Key Take Outs

• Look for the GOLD. When you are digging for gold don’t just see dirt, look beyond the dirt for the gold. Each of us has gold within us we just need to discover it. Equally others have this level of gold and rather than judeging one for their weaknesses or poorer qualities encourage and nurture their gold.
• Let others have a voice. The key to really successful leaders and business is to allow others to feel they have a voice. This is key in creating ownership within others which will lead to higher levels of passion in what they do, productivity and quality of outcome. People want to express themselves and want to feel significant in all that they do.
• Awareness. You mut become aware of who you are and how you feel and wish to be. Creating awareness of this can be discovered through opportunity to express yourself. Do this and you may just uncover some inner truths that will help better direct and lead you on your unique and beautiful journey.
• Lead yourself. We are all our own leaders and before we can lead others we must become the masters at leading ourselves. What does this mean? We need to become aware, we need to cultivate belief and importantly invest in our own learning and development. Be the person that you want others to follow.
• Mentors. Quality mentors will give you lessons in life that can ultimately have profound impact on your life. Those that you admire, those that you wish to be more like are often the ones that will allow you to observe, reinact, and recreate behaviour fundamental to your success.
• Create your creed. “What do you want to be known for?” This is a fantastic question to ask yourself and if you can answer it simply and as truthful and specifically as possible, you will be able to use it to direct your life much more effectively.
• Lead by example. What do you want to be known for? This is a great leadership quality. People love to follow those that do what they themselves must do. Showing that you are happy and ok to get your hands dirty. This is aligned with being authentic and integral to your word. Do as you say and others will follow or at least be more accepting and trusting of your values.
• GROW Theory. Greatness, Reslience, Opportunity and Wisdom. These is a great theory to live by and can be adapted to your own life’s journey.
• Make your lemons into lemonaide. Don’t be sour for what you have. Don’t go about what you do disgrunteled or with poor attitudes. This will not assist you. Instead try turn that what you dislike into lemonaide. Create passion and enjoyement in what you do and turn that sourness into sweetness. This will get you a lot further.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Surround yourself by people with wisdom and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Jeff’s interpretation of success

Success is keeping my priorities the priority.

Quick round questions

Favourite Food

Mandarine-Spinach Salad

Favourite Leisure Activitiy

Reading and spending time with the family.

Favourite book(s)

Adversaries into Allies: Master the Art of Ultimate Influence by Bob Burg

Warrior Sales Monk: Heart Of A Warrior, Soul Of A Monk, Mind Of A Professionalby Todd Zaugg

Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill

Growing weeders into leaders by Jeff McManus

Quote

“You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people to get what they want.” by Zig Ziglar

What does living life with passion and purpose mean?

Being intentional. Glorify god by being trustworthy, engaged,confident and grateful and by serving and inspiring lives to grow.

How to find Jeff and other links

You can visit Jeff online at his website here.

You can catch him on linkedin and twitter also.