Leadership: Finding The Leader In Me

Shawn Folks • Mar 23, 2021

As the Chief Executive Officer and owner of Guarantee Restoration Services, leadership is at the forefront of my role each and every day. In my position, I strive to be an exemplary leader to our staff of more than 140 individuals. 

One of my favorite quotes is, “the greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things, he is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” This quote resonates with me most because every day, I look to show, teach, or guide someone to be better than they were the day before. 



LEADERSHIP: LEARNING QUICK FROM THE GET-GO

When it comes to leadership, I had to find the leader in myself through experience. After I graduated college from LSU, immediately, I was put into a management role and learned very quickly the reason that you have two ears and one mouth. This is so that you can listen twice as much as you speak. Through my formal education, I had not been taught many leadership traits. However, soon enough, I realized that the people that really listened to what others had to say were well-respected and most oftentimes, even admired. 


LEADERSHIP: LISTENING, LEARNING & ACCOMPLISHING 

Simply put, everyone has a story to tell. As the years went by, I began to take a genuine interest in people and listen to their stories. I found that when I built this closer relationship with others, we were able to accomplish our goals together much more easily. In my opinion, I believe that good leaders know what is going on in their team member’s lives, both personally and professionally. Good leaders are also always trying to help them accomplish their short and long-term goals. 


LEADERSHIP: LEADING BY EXAMPLE

By helping others conquer their goals, it has boosted their self-confidence. In turn, this has increased my own self-confidence. It also helped keep me on track with my own goals, because I feel that the most respected leaders lead by example. I have always been a firm believer that you cannot ask someone to do something that you have not done yourself or do daily. 


As I look back at my career, I am proud to say that it was not only me that made this company as successful as it is today, but my team as a whole. We continue to grow through great leadership and professionalism. 


LEADERSHIP: ONE FINAL PIECE OF ADVICE

Finally, I find that the greatest leaders smile and smile often.  They say that smiling is contagious. I fully believe that it is. When you are smiling, the whole world smiles back at you. Begin each day with a warm greeting and a huge grin. You never know how much it can mean to not only your employees, but also a stranger. 


LEADER IN PROPERTY DAMAGE RESTORATION

GRS is the leading property damage restoration company along the Gulf Coast. Whether it’s 8:00 AM or 11:00 PM, our team of 140 professionals is available 24/7, which is not just a number, it’s a GUARANTEE. If you have a water, fire or mold loss, give us a call at 800-349-HELP (4357) or email info@guaranteerestoration.net.


Shawn Folks is the Chief Executive Officer of Guarantee Restoration Services, where he has served in this role since 2013. To connect with him, send him an email or visit LinkedIn.

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