For someone who has held multiple sales and management positions in several different industries throughout my 36-year career, I like to think I have seen just about everything there is to see from a sales and management perspective. I have had leaders who inspired me, who guided me, and who ultimately provided the leadership that was necessary for success.

We all have our own definition of leadership and how it can impact a company. A great leader will inspire, guide, and empower their teams to achieve greatness. Over the years, you realize there are numerous ways to impact your teams and your employees. It is sometimes difficult to determine exactly what motivates each and every employee, but it is important to have some type of gauge so you can realize what might work in certain situations. A great leader should have a grasp on their team so that they can provide guidance for multiple situations that will arise.

I was always one to lead by example. I am a big believer in never asking an employee to do something that you are not willing to do yourself. I can tell you from experience that this is one way to establish trust. It also provides a common theme and a shared experience that you cannot replicate by just saying it.

If you provide your team with a clear vision and how each of them can contribute to that vision, this will provide them with a sense of purpose and ownership. That vision must also include a path for personal development, a path for training, and a path for upward mobility within an organization. It is important that leaders are seen and not just heard, that they listen as much as they speak. This will often lead to better decision making, since folks in the field have a real perspective of what is happening in real time.

We know from multiple employee surveys and different data points what the current employee is looking for from a leader and the company that leader represents.

The obvious choice is a person’s pay and benefits, which we all know is very important so people can take care of themselves and families. But there are several other key factors that will ultimately drive productivity, loyalty, and longevity.

A great leader needs to have a vision and share that vision with their employees. A great leader will show each employee how they can contribute personally to that vision, and, in turn, recognize them for their success. We all want to develop both personally and professionally, so it is critical that leaders show how important that it is within the company they work for to provide those opportunities.

• You Got Caught Award: Employees can be nominated by a customer or another Sage associate for going above and beyond.

• Employee of the Month Award: Voted on by their peers.

• Social Responsibility Days: Participate in the community, help those people in need. This will boost employee morale and ultimately build the company reputation.

• Professional Development: We offer several different tools and training to help each employee, development professionally.