The Importance of Good Leaders and First Impressions
There is a saying that people don't leave jobs, they leave people. After almost 35 years in the U.S. Navy, I have learned how important it is to have good people and especially good leaders! As a young 18-year-old entering the Navy from the old Texas town of El Paso, it was evident then and now how important good people are, not only for me and my family’s well-being, but also the well-being of the team they belong to.
As I moved through the ranks, I learned that the culture of a team is heavily impacted by their leaders. For example, when someone meets you for the first time, they can pinpoint what organization you belong to by how you carry yourself and your ethos. I’ve found that one’s ethos or character can be heavily influenced by their leader – a good leader can truly shape a good team.
I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time as I approached the end of my Navy chapter. There were many desirable paths that I could have chosen for my next journey, but I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to connect with Cubic employees prior to starting my civilian career. What sold me on joining Cubic was apparent with every Cube I encountered. The first impression was GOOD – friendly, humble, respectful, confident and proud to be a part of the team. I realized, these were good people that I would enjoy working with.
As a ship's captain you learn after years at sea, that the first impressions may not always be made with you, the Captain. Many times, the first impression begins in the parking lot when people first set eyes on your beautiful ship or on the quarterdeck where the Officer of the Deck greets your visitors. After years of serving in ships, I can tell within the first five minutes of being aboard, what the culture of the ship is like, and what I can expect the leadership to be like.
Three things that set the stage, is the material condition of the ship, the professionalism or lack thereof of its crew and what can overcome “just having a bad day,” is the reputation of your ship on the waterfront.
As I transition into my civilian role as the senior business development director of maritime for Cubic Global Defense, I hold close some of the lessons I’ve learned throughout my longstanding career in the Navy:
- Surround yourself with good people;
- Leaders shape their teams; and
- First impressions start with everyone on the team.
Reflecting on my first few weeks at Cubic, I see similarities to my time serving in the Navy.
What I’ve experienced so far reminded me of how important first impressions are. Whether it’s on the quarterdeck of a ship or in the main lobby of a corporate office, or even virtually through Zoom – you only get one shot at a first impression.
I have met high-quality, welcoming people at Cubic with high expectations about me and how I can influence the team. Going back to my point about good people, Cubes are passionate about the great things we can do to make a positive difference in people’s lives, and it shows.
Bottom line, I’ve seen a good culture of teamwork and a company ethos of keeping our integrity as we shape the world! Not in any way different than what I had and enjoyed while in uniform. I am grateful for the opportunity – it's a good day to be a Cube!
