Name: Jeff MacIntyre

Title: President

Organisation: Grand Valley Construction Association

Many years in senior leadership roles have enabled me to create a model that allows me to enjoy what I do every day. I have learned that business is built around solid relationships. I have also learned the value of giving back to the community and how rewarding it can be. My goal is to assist others in achieving their goals. The connections are good. Warm and qualified connections are better. Everyone wins is my driving principle.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Jeff's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

The constant battle of keeping goals and objectives aligned between individuals and corporations. As a leader, your responsibility is to balance the needs and goals of the corporation, keeping in mind the dynamic needs and challenges of your employees and their families. Balancing financial and career goals to those required from the corporation is no easy task.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Failure and being completely honest about my pitfalls and setbacks created the opportunities for me to assume the role of a leader. Being truthful and sharing what has not gone well and what I learned from it allowed me to cut through any fake persona or bravado and be real. It gave me credibility and, ultimately, the trust of those who chose leaders.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I've been able to create a reality where everything I do is important, but very few things are urgent.

The result is very low stress. I rarely set an alarm and get to the office or work when I get there. I am an early riser, so it's often the case that I am in early. I leave and try to end my day with a social visit or workout, and then I have dinner. I rarely go out for dinner and make meals at home. I fall asleep when I'm tired. Seems to be working.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

I have a unique situation with an individual who is my mentor, and I am his. He regularly reminds me, even in his position as a leader, that if you don't own it, you can't control everything. If you don't have access to all the levers that control the business, you have to understand the motivation of those that do have ultimate control, and the decisions that they make are their choice, and you have to accept that. Understanding that reduces a lot of frustration.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so

far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Dig Your Well Before You Are Thirsty by Harvey MacKay. I read this years ago and still recommend it. It outlines how important it is to help people and build community prior to asking for anything. The premise that I resonated with is that I could ask 10 people for $1000 within the hour, and they would give it to me unconditionally. I have helped them before they knew my character, and I have not constantly had my hand out. It has become my guiding principle.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Give your time and your effort with little expected return. Use this time to build your network and learn. The reward and success will come your way faster than asking for big titles, massive pay increases, and more perks. Trust me; it works.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far? Understand that leaders need to make tough choices. I once had a troubling employee who was poison in the company to the point that no one, including me, wanted to spend time with them.

I encouraged them to work from home. When they were in the office, I would wait for them to get on a phone call before I went to the washroom (which was beside their office) so I didn't have to talk to them.

The last straw was one day I was weighing the merits of urinating in my garbage pail.

It was then I realized that I was the leader and the person impacting the company. They were removed that afternoon. Leaders need to make the right and the tough calls.