Rod Miller is a sales leader in the field of business development, sales leadership with experience and experience in the field of human capital development strategies. Rod is a multiple award winner, whose main strengths are leadership / management and development teams for achieving corporate goals.
Rod's career included sales, marketing, sales leadership, and executive leadership in the fields of life sciences, professional services, and management consulting. His education includes a bachelor's degree in zoology / psychology, a bachelor's degree in economics and an MBA. Project Certified Human Resources Specialist (CHRP) and is a member of the Alberta Institute of Human Resources.
In addition to his diverse career and education, Rod is also an assistant teacher at the University of Calgary at the Huskain School of Business and the University of Lethbridge Faculty of Management at Bow Valley College in Calgary and an active voluntary community.
L & M: You used to be an actor and a representative for four years; it has quite changed from what you are doing now, which caused a change in direction.
I have to say this is the first time I have had this question.
The actor's representative came from the need to fund my university studies. I knew someone in the business, and they told me how many hours they had made, which in essence was something that seemed easy. In addition, I have always been an introverted person, so it was an opportunity to challenge myself.
I remember shooting a television advertisement, and, probably, 30 people on the set with me, as the main and only talent in front of the camera, the experience was exciting, but also very nervous. One of the advantages of this experience is that he taught me the essence of selling, because I represented the brand in advertising and knew that the final goals were to sell the product.
This was my first entry into marketing and helped me build a natural skill set. Naturally, this is where my career went - an introverted guy who loves to sell and build strong relationships with customers.
L & M: Most people think of leaders as extroverts, but I think that some of the best and most dynamic leaders are really introverts who are characterized as extroverts. What do you think?
This is such a big question. I have done Myers Briggs many times and I can safely say that I am an introvert and very proud of it.
Introversion or extraversion is not about whether you are calm or not. It really is about how you are a source of energy. As an introvert, I generate energy by coiling; the opposite is true for an extrovert person; they require energy to power their batteries.
Over the years of sales and leadership, I realized how to manage my energy. I traveled extensively, and energy management was key to trade meetings and conferences. I developed a routine that included both mental and physical rest to replenish the balance; it allowed me to keep wasting energy over very long days.
L & M: Have you ever thought about how these thirty people depend on your work? It certainly looks like being a leader, do you disagree?
At that time, I would never have thought about this perspective, but you are absolutely right. If you were a stage master, a makeup artist or a lighting guy, we were all there to do one thing - to make great TV commercials.
There are countless books on leadership and management, as well as what happened here. I had no direct influence on the work of each person, but my role was important and should give an example in order to carry out this work. So, yes, I would agree that he is very much like a leader.
L & M: Your educational experience is quite impressive, with B. Sc, zoology and psychology, bachelor of economics and master of business administration, leadership and strategy. Why zoology?
Thanks for the compliment.
I assume that my initial answer was that simply the completion of this degree was based on my passion for science and scientific methods. I was always attracted by the complexity of the physiology of animals; in particular the physiology of mammals, and therefore this major fits well with my need at that time.
I did not go to university with a degree plan to get a job, my plan was much simpler, I just wanted to find out what interested me very much. My first degree focused on the relationship between human physiology when my major graduated with imperfect psychology. I use both today in my work, because we are a combination of physical and psychological attributes that make us human.
L & M: Today you are the Managing Director of the Global Global Professionals; How many people do you report directly?
Currently I have 10 people in my organization who work inside and outside, providing services to our customer base. Our model in Global resources is a combination of employees and consultants who work on behalf of our clients and the best way to describe our model is a boutique approach in each city in which we work, while maintaining close links with our global operation.
L & M: You also held senior management positions with some other well-known companies, such as Robert Half; What distracted you from global professionals?
My experience and experience are very diverse. I essentially grew up in the world of pharmaceutical / biotechnology and in 2007 reached the top due to moving back to Western Canada. The time has come for something new, and it was then that I joined Robert Half. The experience there was outstanding, but I had a deep desire to move from strictly staffing to more consultations on intellectual issues. Global Resources is a project-based consulting firm that has the opportunity to help them regain a place in the Calgary market. The ability to use my strategic skills along with business development and operational skills is the perfect timing.
L & M: Even with such advanced degrees, did you have any problems in your career progress and personal leadership development, for which your education did not prepare you?
Absolutely! I remember well when I took the first leading role in managing the team. Before that I was engaged in marketing, built marketing plans and launched products. At that time I had an amazing mentor, and she told me something that continues with me to this day. I remember exactly where I was when we were talking. Her words were simple, but deep. She said: “Rod, what you need to remember, is that people have personalities, but no products. You can tell what to do, but you can't tell people what to do.
At that time it was clearly the difference between the leader and the manager, although I did not know that. Obviously, there are times when leaders need to be managed, but they know when to do what matters. In addition, the school will not prepare you to have more difficult conversations, and I remember the first time I had to stop working for an employee, perhaps the most difficult thing that a leader in his career had to do, no school or degree They cannot prepare you for the conversation and the emotions that you and the staff will experience in this situation.
I have a personal philosophy that I learned from a friend who passed away many years ago. He lived life to the fullest and was a huge member of the community. Thanks to his life experience, he taught me to learn something new every day. In fact, I will take time at the end of my day to reflect on what I learned and, most importantly, taught me that day. I have no preconceived notions that it must be someone older than me or someone within my industry; there are teachers around us, we just have to stop and listen.
L & M: It's always great to hear someone talking about the presence of a mentor; do you still have one today?
I do not do this, and this is a large part that is missing. I have many advisors who can give me advice, but not a clear mentor. In fact, it makes me create a mentoring program!
L & M: Are you a mentor to anyone?
Yes, this is a very important area of my life and one that is very saturated. I tend to work with several people at the same time due to time constraints, and I would say that this is a combination of coaching and mentoring
L & M: What advice would you give someone considering considering getting a mentor or being one of them?
Outstanding mentors do not do the work for you, they are a guide based on their experience and knowledge, most importantly, they are there to challenge you and help you see what you see. Work is the people who do this, it is part of the growth.
Great teachers freely exchange objectively when things are great, they are great, when they are not, and they are not, and mentors will always be objective, willing to openly share with compassion and, most importantly, make you think.
L & M: You are an active volunteer, can you tell us more about it and what does this mean for you as a leader?
Absolutely, over the past couple of years I have been pondering about where I wanted to give my time and really understand what I'm passionate about.
My mother was Native American, and, unfortunately, I never knew her, but my blood passes through my system. I have always felt connected with this community, so when the opportunity arose to devote my time to programs aimed at helping our native youth achieve excellence in school and life, I knew that the time had come to start to retreat.
Leadership for me really gives an example in all the things that you do, whether you are a parent, manager, teacher or something else. I remember a meeting with a fantastic leadership teacher many years ago; His name was Peter Urs Bender, author of Leadership from the Inside. This book had a great influence at the beginning of my career, and it gave me the direction in which I continue to be a leader today. I remember talking to him one-on-one when I hired him to speak at one of our trade meetings. His influence on me and my team was deep. Unfortunately, Peter is no longer with us, but his legacy teaches us that true leadership comes from within and as leaders to whom we hold responsibility.
L & M: You mentioned the influence Peter Urs Bender had on you; Is there anyone else that influenced you and helped shape the leader you are today?
Absolutely, a lot of them. I had excellent leaders, what I worked for, and what gave me mentoring during my career. I had great coaches and teachers in high school who taught me to believe in myself and develop my abilities. There are others who have shown me that they are not well developed, and I understand that this is not an example of effective leadership.
I realized that there is no simple formula for leadership; Each leader has his own unique style, based on their knowledge and experience, there are foundations, but the most important thing is to find a way to connect their business and people together. I read quite a lot, and some of the best books I've read recently are Tony Xie, “The Happiness of Happiness” and, of course, the biography of Steve Jobs.
L & M: What do you consider the most important task of the management responsible for any organization?
Regardless of the size of any organization, the greatest challenge facing leaders today is to attract and retain talent in a dynamic and changing work environment. There is such a difference between the generations as the work is completed and it is evaluated that organizations struggle with what is the right structure and working environment.
I did a lot of work understanding the intergenerational differences in today's work, and if organizations can learn how to use each generation, they can increase the productivity of human capital; this is easier said than done. I work intensively with Gen-Ys both in my work and in the classroom, and this experience taught me the essence of why every generation is the way it is. Not that it is right or wrong, it is just like that. Our task in organizations is to create a community in the workplace that will benefit the best from each employee. We must do this in the context of generational differences without judgment. This is the biggest challenge facing any leader today.
L & M: In your opinion, what a great opportunity that entrepreneurs and organizations lose or lose sight of when it comes to attracting and / or retaining the best talents?
Although this is just my opinion and is not supported by research, organizations that invest in the development and development of their people will remain the most attractive and retaining. Money does not buy the loyalty, care and development of your staff. Programs for personal growth, a manager who has the tools and is able to develop his staff and the leaders who live by this example will always have an advantage. It starts at the top of the organization and takes root in the company culture.
L & M: What do you think is the biggest challenge for the future of the future?
We live in a very fast, technology-based society. Leaders must remember that we are human beings and need social interaction. Do not make quick decisions; take the time to think and do not think that relationships through a social networking site are adequate for communicating with people in an organization. Make it personal and genuinely connected with others, don't just “add a friend” or “accept a connection request”.
L & M: What is your biggest challenge as a leader?
Very simply, others do not see the true talent they can offer. Great people get stuck because they have a belief system that prevents them from succeeding in something they really want. Helping them get through is the biggest challenge, but when they do, it is often a great reward.
L & M: What is your biggest reward as a leader?
I am very fortunate to work with some amazing people and to see how they grow in their roles and in their careers is the best thing for me.
I remember that in one particular situation, one of my managers was “written off” by the company, and they personally almost completely refused. I talked to the manager, and we developed a plan to get back on the right track, and within two years this person moved forward repeatedly and is now in a leadership role leading a very large team.
L & M: If you could only give one piece of advice to those who go into the work on leadership, what would it be?
Although it is not directly related to leadership, it is very important to become a great leader. Never give up. I have a strong innate desire to learn and try to do it every day. It served me well and contributed to my leadership ability.
L & M: I believe that the written word can bring inspiration and motivation to people, and therefore I choose and publish a daily quote on my blog and other social networks. Do you have a personal quote from your favorites?
Of course, I actually have two, and both on my Facebook page.
"Never succumb to the status quo
never give up on your dreams
Always give unconditionally without waiting for anything in return
And when you feel he is wearing a tie dyed t-shirt "
- Rod Miller
And ...
"When all the trees were cut down, when all the animals are hunted, when all the water is polluted, when all the air is unsafe to breathe, only then you will find that you cannot eat money."
~ Cree prophecy
L & M: Rod I would like to thank you for taking the time to talk with me and with all the people who will read this.
