It is one thing to talk about a plan, but put that plan to action and make sure everyone on your team knows what you want to accomplish and where you want to go together.
By John Paglia III
To prepare for growth and opportunity, we recently have done a lot of hiring and interviewing of all level positions throughout different times of 2020. Add in the looming merger of Waste Management/Advanced Disposal, other acquisitions like GFL/Waste Connections, COVID-related layoffs, and the market is prime for those poised for growth wanting to add qualified candidates to their team. Let’s face it, no one likes instability. We are finding that many qualified candidates are very interested in joining our team for the sheer fact that we have a clear-cut direction and business plan for our near and far future, and that settles the nerves of new candidates.
By the time this article is published, it will be post-election day and that too seems to have many in the industry waiting on the sideline watching. No matter where you look, everyone seems to have a political opinion these days. Add in social media and our culture has changed to every person having the opportunity to feel like an influencer and weigh in on their opinion. The problem with all these voices is most people are all talk with no action. I would like to see the nation learn from our industry and the men and women that proudly call this industry their occupation. We work together relentlessly every single day as a collective group of people with varying nationalities and different backgrounds, but work as a team for a company of unified individuals to complete the task at hand. I would love to see the American people become unified again and stop all the political back and forth that has become everyday life.
A Recipe for Success
The power of a well-performing team cannot be underestimated. Anyone can manage when there are no obstacles in the way. The real assessment of your team’s strength can be viewed once you have obstacle after obstacle thrown your way and you never break stride. Most times, we find ourselves coming out stronger than we were before the obstacle presented itself. Last week, my team were literally thrown more obstacles every day that we have never seen in the existence of the company. Some of the obstacles were a first for us in all our generations of business—true head scratchers. Not only did the team overcome the obstacles, but we are also a better company because of it.
People want to be led. Leadership is contagious. The main point I am trying to make is that no matter the market climate, political climate, obstacles of our world or day-to-day business, you can overcome anything you and your team put your mind to. It is one thing to talk about a plan, but put that plan to action and make sure everyone on your team knows what you want to accomplish and where you want to go together. Do not be afraid to ask or seek help either. Some of the very best leaders in our nation can be quoted countless times discussing the importance of leadership and giving direction to their people as a recipe for success.
Working Together
Money is not and should not be the only motivator for success. It is more important to be a member of a team, with goals and aspirations, completing the goals like a checklist, and creating and conquering new ones as time goes on. If we can all lead our individual companies, with unified team members working together, maybe we can start to have a voice and show others what it means to be an American—a collective group of men and women, working together every day, not fighting or judging each other based on how the news media says we should feel. We are proud Americans that honor our country and the men and women who proudly serve it. | WA
John Paglia III is a 4th generation garbage man. Before he climbed the ranks to become Florida Express Environmental’s General Manager, he had a successful career in college and professional athletics. John has been around the garbage industry since his car seat days. Currently, John is focused on growing his company and offering the highest level of customer service and prolonging the world we live in today. John wakes up every day knowing the impact professional haulers have on their community is far greater than most realize. He can be reached at (352) 629-4349, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.floridaexpress.us.