Users Conferences
I had a couple of opportunities to chat with DVT CEO Bob Steike during this week's user conference in Las Vegas. I'm now int the Cleveland airport on my way home. Bob truly believes in the "servant leadership" concept, practices it himself, instills it in his organization and tries to instill it in his distribution channel, as well. A course on the topic is always offered at DVT users conferences.
The concept leaves some people a little leery with the overtly religious overtones, but an observer at the conference watching the interactions of distributors who sometimes are competitors would have to conclude that there is something to the practice.
Servant leaders are more interested in the question "What can I do to help you" than in issuing orders. This works within the organization and also in interactions with customers. Bob says that he has very little channel conflict even though he does not offer restricted territory agreements. He attributes much of the reason to the servant leadership model. Russ Agrusa, president of Iconics, also noted the power of the concept that he observed at the conference.
I've tried to practice (with varying success) for years the philosophy of asking those on my teams "what do I need to do to help you accomplish your work and goals." I think it's a powerful way to "manage." I congratulate Bob on his focus and ability to get commitment from so many to the vision.
7:26:14 AM 
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