The Power of Hands-On Leadership
By Angel Santiago | Photography by Taylor Lane
What’s a leader’s favorite type of pizza? One with “extra” accountability and “supreme” communication!
These are two leadership qualities that Christian Mendez, manager of Julian’s Italian Pizzeria & Kitchen (Alamo Heights), prioritizes. They have been key in helping him successfully lead the 78209 location for the past eight years.
Julian Solis and his wife Kara are the proud owners of Julian’s Italian Pizzeria & Kitchen, a family-owned business that offers a cozy, family-friendly ambiance for customers to enjoy a quality product for a reasonable price. Christian is Julian’s nephew, and he loves working at Julian’s, not only because of how great of a team they have but because it truly feels like they are all in a community of their own. “When coming into work, I look forward to seeing our customers come in and enjoy our delicious food, along with seeing our regulars that come in weekly,” Christian said.
Christian defines leadership as prioritizing team over self, being hands-on, and leading from the front. “I like putting my team first rather than myself because they’re the ones coming along with me, helping me along the way. They are the people that are helping me lead them, so I like to put them first”, said Christian.
I must say, Christian definitely has the right idea when it comes to leadership. He is embodying the concept of servant leadership. This is a leadership style in which the leader’s primary goal is to serve others. It emphasizes the well-being and growth of team members, prioritizing their needs and development over the leader’s own ambitions. This leadership approach inspires collaboration, trust, and a sense of community. This enhances individual performance and drives organizational success, as team members feel valued and motivated to contribute their best efforts.
What really stood out to me about Christian is his hands-on approach. “I give my 100%, you know, if the team needs help, I’m always there to help no matter what. Whether it’s dishwashing in the back or mopping the floors in the front. I’m always hands-on with them. I’m never just sitting in the office or just hanging around; I’m always on the floor with them.” He takes a leading-from-the-front approach. This requires the leader to set an example for others by taking the initiative and being actively involved in the day-to-day tasks and challenges that need to be done. In fact, The American Psychological Association found that employees who perceive their leaders as supportive and involved are 33% more likely to report high levels of well-being and lower levels of stress, contributing to a healthier and more productive work environment. A survey by Deloitte revealed that organizations with leaders who lead from the front are 1.5 times more likely to be in the top quartile of their industry for financial performance.
Aside from having a team-first approach, Christian most certainly shows up for himself by caring for his physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being through exercise, meditation, and reading. “I like to go to the gym and get a workout in; it relieves my stress. I like to meditate at home, do some reading, and journal my thoughts and ideas. I also have a morning routine. When I wake up, I’ll make my coffee, and then I’ll spend about 10 minutes on my patio, spending time in nature and soaking in the sun”, said Christian. He believes these self-care practices are essential for effective leadership, and they have a big impact on keeping him calm, centered, and on top of his game.
Did you know? Self-care practices have a profound impact on leadership skills by enhancing various aspects of personal and professional well-being? They are essential for leaders to maintain their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, directly enhancing their leadership skills and overall effectiveness.
By prioritizing self-care, leaders can better serve their teams, make more informed decisions, and create a positive and productive work environment. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that leaders with high emotional intelligence – which can be enhanced through self-care practices – are 40% more likely to be successful in their roles. In fact, research by the World Economic Forum shows that companies with leaders who prioritize their health and well-being see a 25% reduction in healthcare costs and a 15% increase in productivity.
- Some of the benefits of self-care include:
- Improved Mental Clarity and Focus
- Increased Emotional Intelligence
- Enhanced Stress Management
- Better Physical Health
- Greater Resilience
- Positive Role Modeling
- Improved Work-Life Balance
- Enhanced Creativity and Innovation
- Increased Confidence
- Stronger Relationships
Are you caring for your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being? If not, you ought to.
As you reflect on the principles of prioritizing your team, being hands-on, leading from the front, and embracing self-care, consider the profound impact these strategies can have on your leadership journey and organizational success. By integrating self-care into your leadership style, you can maintain the energy and resilience needed to inspire and support your team effectively.
If you’re ready to elevate your leadership approach and drive your team to new heights, contact me today. Together, we can develop and implement tailored strategies that put your team first and lead from the front. Let’s create a thriving environment where everyone succeeds. Reach out now to begin your journey towards becoming a truly exceptional leader.
Blessings,
#LifeCoachAngel
210.239.3435
