Finding Your Highest Calling As A Leader with Larry Janesky and Tommy Mello

A leader's highest calling is to improve the lives of business owners, employees, customers and humanity. Larry believes in capitalism as a force for good — put employees and team first, because without experienced people who know what they're doing, nothing else works.

From the invisible comes the visible. The root of all results is your self-image and your vision — if you have a problem there, you'll struggle to hire, because great employees choose leaders who are forward-looking, credible and can show them tomorrow will be better than today.

Hire proactively, not to put out fires. Hiring under pressure pulls from the bank of people other employers didn't want; instead run a real funnel — resume screening, first/second/third and group interviews — and sell your culture and vision, not just the paycheck.

You are responsible for everything in your business. If there's a problem you created it or allowed it — so slow down, gather data and learn, so that when you make a fast decision it's the right one.

Recognize your own weaknesses and hire to them. One of Larry's best strengths is recognizing his weaknesses — you need operations, technology, CRM and marketing leadership; a leader discerns what the business needs and makes it happen.

Adapt with technology or get left behind. CRM, call tracking, internet marketing and social media are non-negotiable; as generations and tools change, businesses that don't adapt can't catch up.

Work on the business, not just in it — and let go. Decide whether you want to be self-employed or an entrepreneur; build systems that produce predictable outcomes so the business can run without you, then trust your team to run it.

Culture is built on authenticity and high standards. Admit your weaknesses, show you genuinely care, invest in the environment and details, and the group will protect the culture and reject bad fits like an antibody.