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🫀 Leading The Whole Person with Helmand Anwary

🫀 Leading The Whole Person with Helmand Anwary

Weekly Recap, Farmer Chris, and Cars That Make You Say "Why?"

May 27, 2023

This morning we are raising a glass (or, a cup of coffee, that is) in honor of you.

Yes, YOU! Every keystroke you make, every call you answer, every idea you share, and every smile you offer a team member or customer is like a little high-five to progress.

You're not just a team member but an essential piece of this wonderful puzzle we call retail automotive.

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, & Chris

INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHT

Helmand Anwary: Leading From The Heart

Helmand Anwary

Sutherlin Automotive Group’s newest leader recently shared a few minutes with ASOTU’s Chris Reeves to discuss his automotive journey. Helmand Anwary is bringing a whole-life approach to leadership that cannot be faked, phoned in, or set aside, and he believes that every leader in the industry would benefit from committing themselves fiercely to doing the same.

Howdy Helmand! Thanks for talking with me today. Let’s start by exploring your journey into the automotive industry. Could you share when you first started?

I started 17 years ago. My journey began when I was 12, working for my father in Casa Grande, Arizona. We were refugees from Afghanistan, and he held a general manager role in a small town. I assisted him with everyday tasks, much like any kid would. My daughter, who is 12 now, sometimes helps me with similar tasks such as paperwork, making copies, and putting together deal jackets for the salespeople.

As a child, I observed the automotive business closely every day after school. By age 15 and a half, I officially joined the workforce as a lot attendant. Over time, I worked in various roles, from detailing cars to reception and accounting. I eventually found my place in the service department as an advisor.

One important lesson my father taught me is the value of people. He always said that everything else falls into place if you care for your people. And I firmly believe in this. One of my greatest successes has been fostering growth in people. My professional growth has occurred organically as I've focused on their development.

It's not just about saying it. It's about practicing it. Despite many managers and owners agreeing with this principle, I've noticed it's easier said than done. It's something that needs to be implemented every single day. Although I enjoy discussing this topic, I must admit I tend to get carried away.

Fantastic! I’ve heard other leaders discuss how “People First” should prioritize employees since they care for your customers.

Indeed, this philosophy seems to be forgotten in many businesses, not just dealerships. Companies go to great lengths to please customers but often neglect their employees. The common mantra "the customer always comes first" doesn't resonate with me. I firmly believe employees should come first. Treat your employees with sincerity and dedication, not just in words but in actions. I've seen it when individuals feign concern for their staff - it's easy to see through.

There's a disconnect between wanting to be a leader and being one. A lot of individuals have a boss mindset but pose as leaders. True leadership is realized when people follow your path without fear of consequences, not because they're obligated to due to your title.

At the end of the day, we're in the business of people, not just customers but those we work with. A significant part of being a good leader is having the skills to interact genuinely with people.

Absolutely. This concept of language-only leadership, where authenticity is lacking, is pervasive. The true “whole life” leadership seems to be some much-needed realness in the world.

Given people's general skepticism, how do you guide them into a more authentic, beneficial relationship?

The idea of "fake it till you make it" doesn't hold up in this context. Genuine care for people cannot be feigned. It's not just about whether they can improve the company's bottom line but about their well-being and growth as individuals. Any insincerity in this regard will be evident soon enough.

Being a leader requires humility and the courage to do what's best for the team, irrespective of judgment. There's a popular saying, "It's lonely at the top." But it doesn't have to be if you're growing and developing your team along with you.

For someone leading a team who is deeply motivated to foster a healthy work environment and culture yet realizes they are falling short, what does day one look like?

The starting point is to truly understand every individual on your team, not just their professional skills but also their personal life. This involves regular check-ins to discuss their progress, areas of improvement, and general well-being.

It's crucial to approach these interactions with genuine openness and empathy rather than a harsh critique of their shortcomings. Break down their tasks and goals into simple, achievable steps, but ensure they remain disciplined in following through.

Training is a critical part of this process, but it must be done sincerely, not as a box to be checked. It's also essential to recognize that everyone is at different levels, so training should be adjusted to cater to individual needs.

I am grateful for everything you've shared, and it's clear that you're living these principles, not just speaking about them. Thank you for being part of this industry.

Yes, these matters are very emotional for me because I've been in this industry for quite a while. I've learned much from others, but I've witnessed many behaviors I'd never repeat myself. There have been instances where people have overlooked me due to biases related to my background or appearance, and those experiences have taught me to forge my own path.

I am committed to investing significantly in those who are willing to make an effort, and I find that people tend to reciprocate that level of dedication when they see its sincerity. This consistent investment creates a sense of trust and demonstrates that you're genuine, setting you apart as the "real deal."

In essence, genuine leadership must come from the heart, not just the mind.

Absolutely! Thank you for sharing your insights and for your time. This discussion has been incredibly rich!

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

“Why Did My Family Let Me Leave The House Looking Like Mario??”

For those who don't know, Chris is building a house and has become a farmer overnight. Recently he shared a picture with our team revealing that, while overalls are a win, wearing a red shirt under them is a risk he was not happy about taking.

Help us caption or meme this image so others may know the risks of going "too farmer too fast."

SOMETHING FUN

Weird, Worst, and Why?: Cars We Don’t Understand

throttlextreme

We’ve all seen them, “vehicles” that try so hard to be unique they forget to be… well…a car. The ASOTU team shared some of our favorites and made a little video so you can experience the bizarreness with us. Enjoy!

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