Barger speaks about quality leadership at All-In Week
Jason Barger, founder of Step Back Leadership, author and inspirational speaker on leadership, had the entirety of the junior and senior classes at West Holmes and Hiland high schools all ears as they listened to his seminar during All-In Week.
When Jason Barger speaks, people listen.
At least that was the case when the national author, leadership visionary and inspirational speaker connected with the juniors and seniors from Hiland and West Holmes high schools during the All-In Day at Harvest Ridge on Nov. 13.
Barger was brought in to share his message of positive leadership and what it takes to lead others the right way, and throughout his 40-minute presentation, Barger had all eyes and ears on him.
West Holmes FFA leaders Jenna Sheldon and Garrett Fowler introduced Barger, describing how Barger has risen to prominence as a leadership consultant.
Prior to becoming an inspirational speaker and author, Barger invested in helping others in many ways including leading a project that saw the building of 125 houses internationally for families living in poverty, also working with the homeless.
He has received many accolades throughout his career, but his purpose isn’t to gain praise, but rather to help others realize their potential and learn how to lead so others might find success.
He is currently the founder of Step Back Leadership, a company dedicated to helping businesses and organizations learn how to make true impact on developing winning culture.
On this day he focused on young adults who are seeking to find their place in the world and become the next generation of leaders.
“When you have a large room like this where it’s full of high school kids, all of them are listening and engaged, and the wheels are turning, and the hope is that each one of them heard something that they’ll take with them that can inspire them to lead and help others grow,” Barger said.
Barger discussed service leadership, how positive leadership leads to creating winning cultures and the character traits of leading the right way. He shared topics from some of his books including “Breathing Oxygen” and his newest effort, “Thermostat Cultures.”
Barger spoke about how it is important to not react to challenges and issues that arise, but to be proactive in setting the bar creatively to prepare others and help them navigate through each issue in a positive way.
“Positive leadership gives way to winning cultures,” Barger said. “We need to understand that we don’t need to run from challenges we’re facing but rather identify the obstacles and imperfections and be willing to believe that we can build toward the future we desire. We each have the power to decide what kind of leaders we want to be, and how you show up will determine the culture around you.”
Barger told the students everyone wants to be a part of something special, to live and work in a culture that is bigger than themselves, one that is successful, fulfilling and inspiring.
He said the business world has created a giant war in seeking and securing talented people to hire, and those types of jobs are out there for those who are willing to work hard and challenge themselves to go above and beyond what is expected, with an eye on helping others around them climb to success right alongside them.
His book, “Thermostat Culture,” touches on those types of leadership skills, saying serving others and showing up to work willing to learn and help others grow are qualities business owners are seeking today.
“The one thing you have in your control every day is who you choose to be,” Barger said. “What kind of leader do I want to be? We have the choice every day to breathe in the good things that bring out the best of us, rather than breathing in the toxic air of negativity, blaming and gossip, all of those things that divide us and don’t bring out the best in us.”
Barger’s challenges to the students were exactly that, challenges that can make a strong impact on growth of an individual, challenges that can lead to developing leadership skills that inspire others around them to rise to greater heights.
He then touched on how Southwest Airlines has made huge strides throughout its company in encouraging its employees and leaders to be intentional with their words, deeds and actions.
He said when visiting the company’s headquarters, he noticed one particular poster he saw continually.
“In real big words, these posters said, ‘Count on me to own it: We are all ambassadors of our culture,’” Barger said. “The reason that message was everywhere was because if you want to be part of their organization, if they see you are a thermostat, they welcome you in, but if you want to be a part of that culture, we need to count on you to own it, to take ownership and recognize we are all ambassadors of the culture we want to create. Again, nobody gets to tell you what type of leader and person you want to be. You decide that for yourself. You get to own that culture you want to be a part of, but you have to be the first one to be an ambassador for that life you want to be a part of.”
Barger’s words seemed to hit home for many, and his challenges were thoughts the students could take with them as they choose what type of leader and ambassador they want to be.