Nathan Lord and I from Shale Crescent along with Keith Burdette from Polymer Alliance Zone were in Chicago at the Global Plastics Summit this week. We had a great conference with positive measurable results. I literally just got back home and need to be in Beckley in the morning so I will share the Chicago details with you next week.
Tomorrow I head the Beckley to coach in the West Virginia Boy's High School Soccer Tournament. This is our 11th consecutive trip to the Tournament. I tell you this to only to help you to believe that all things are possible. Our Team has had 4 different head coaches and 2 school principals over this period. We don't recruit and we haven't always had the best players. What we can always do is to build the best Team possible AND create a positive attitude of belief in the Team and in each player. I want them to always believe they can win even though it may not always happen. Achieving a big dream starts with a positive attitude, a belief that success is possible and a work ethic. Nothing happens by accident.
What a difference a year makes. In Chicago last week, we renewed contacts from previous meetings. Just as important when we met someone and said we were from Shale Crescent USA they nodded knowingly and said, "Oh yeah." Last year we got a quizzical look and a, "What is that?" We are getting brand recognition. In sales, you always need to believe in your product. You can't fake belief. The prospect can tell. Our product is this Region and its people. In Chicago, it was easy to tell people to come here because we have a great product. We know that is true.
We need to avoid negative because that can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. If we believe West Virginia will always be 49th we can expect that to happen. If we expect this Region to always be the Rust Belt, we can make that happen too. I remember my first sales meeting after I transferred to West Virginia from Ohio as a District Manager 30+ years ago. Each sales person seemed to be trying to have the biggest problem job. I remember thinking, "What have I gotten in to? Are we a bunch of screw ups? No wonder sales are low. Who could sell after that?" Safety wasn't any better.
What I learned was that my people were very capable, they just needed someone to believe in and encourage them. They needed to develop a positive attitude. It was a Team effort. Once the people's belief and attitude changed we became the Region's leading revenue producer in our company. In safety, accidents and injuries declined to the point that the walls became filled with safety awards. Same people just a different attitude.
The Shale Crescent USA not only has abundant resources and a great location we have a strong work force and incredible people to support them. We have what companies around the world need and want. We all need to know this is true and believe the best is possible for The Shale Crescent USA and its people. We don't have to be second to anyone.
As leaders, we need encourage a positive attitude in others. Our elected leaders in Charleston and Washington should have a positive vision for our Region and a positive attitude for our success. They should understand the importance of working together for the good of us all. We have a once in a generation opportunity that we need to seize. There is no place in Charleston or Washington for negative, finger pointing, "just say no" type people. We need creative, positive leaders who will work to make good things happen.
Greg Kozera is the Director of Marketing for Shale Crescent USA www.shalecrescentusa.com. He has over 40 years of experience in the energy industry. Greg is a leadership expert with a Masters in Environmental Engineering and the author of four books and numerous published articles.