Anthony Rumore On Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Leader During Uncertain & Turbulent Times
The military has taught me to always have a contingency plan while markets may be unstable from time to time, forecasting and contingency plans are essential to the success of any business.
As part of our series about the “Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Leader During Turbulent Times”, we had the pleasure of interviewing Anthony Rumore.
After spending nearly 20 years climbing the security corporate ladder, Anthony Rumore noticed a heightened need for personalized security services that reach beyond a typical security company. His professional experience intertwined with his military background offers an authentic and no-nonsense approach to extremely diligent security. As a retired, 100% disabled veteran, and husband and dad of 2, Anthony leads his life with passion and a goal of great success.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Very early on in my sales career, I attended one of my first sales meetings. Before I understood what the client needed, I began offering our solutions. The potential client waited for for me to finish talking, smiled, and explained to me that they never had the opportunity to discuss their needs for me to suggest solutions. I quickly realized that sales is 80% listening and 20% talking.
Because of this valuable lesson I learned, I am still friends with that person today, 20 years later as he defined my path and future success.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
Chris Anderson. 20 years ago I thought I knew everything about sales. Chris introduced me to relationship-based sales. We quickly became friends and his sales methodology paved the way to my success.
Extensive research suggests that “purpose-driven businesses” are more successful in many areas. When your organization started, what was its vision, what was its purpose?
As a military veteran, solving problems for security companies was my focus.
There was a huge gap in the security industry between marketing and sales. My vision was to offer digital marketing for SMB-sized companies that could not have these layers otherwise, whether it was affordability or lack of management to oversee that department.
Thank you for all that. Let’s now turn to the main focus of our discussion. Can you share with our readers a story from your own experience about how you lead your team during uncertain or difficult times?
As a leader in the military, we were been given the education on how to lead from the front. There is a vast difference between a boss and a leader. By engaging with employees from day to day, as part of the team, provides the ability for each of them to strive for success.
There was a transition when I needed to grow. I needed to give control of day-to-day operations to my employees, which was a difficult stepping stone in order to to convey my vision.
Did you ever consider giving up? Where did you get the motivation to continue through your challenges? What sustains your drive?
I don’t wake up striving to be mediocre as I want to be the best in the industry. Before creating my company, I did market research and saw some companies offer similar but they don’t do it exceptionally. Our vision was to create a company with an all-inclusive solution to manage digital marketing needs coupled with sales solutions to grow a security company.
I’m an author and I believe that books have the power to change lives. Do you have a book in your life that impacted you and inspired you to be an effective leader? Can you share a story?
Art of War — I learned to strategically avoid competition and conflict. Fight wars without going to battle. My biggest takeaway is strong and wise leadership is essential to success.
What would you say is the most critical role of a leader during challenging times?
Always stay positive. ever show weakness. Quickly devise a resolution to better your position to emerge victorious.
When the future seems so uncertain, what is the best way to boost morale? What can a leader do to inspire, motivate, and engage their team?
Weekly meetings with your team are essential to your success. Full transparency of the company within the team encourages employees they feel empowered and see they are a true part of the organization, not just as an employees.
What is the best way to communicate difficult news to one’s team and customers?
I firmly believe in full transparency and the truth. Your employees and customers will respect you more for that.
Retaining customers; this is where relationships and rapport come into play
How can a leader make plans when the future is so unpredictable?
The military has taught me to always have a contingency plan while markets may be unstable from time to time, forecasting and contingency plans are essential to the success of any business.
Is there a “number one principle” that can help guide a company through the ups and downs of turbulent times?
Yes. In my professional opinion, staying ahead of the competition, knowing who they are, and continuous branding will ensure the future and success of a company during turbulent times.
Can you share 3 or 4 of the most common mistakes you have seen other businesses make during difficult times? What should one keep in mind to avoid that?
- Hiring unqualified people to fill voids
- Spending outside budget
- Misrepresenting
Here is the primary question of our discussion. Based on your experience and success, what are the five most important things a business leader should do to lead effectively during uncertain and turbulent times? Please share a story or an example for each.
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Ethos
- Transparency
- Empathy
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Don’t live your life as it was your practice life. Live every day to the fullest.
As a combat veteran, we were at risk of being killed in action / dying every day. Having made it through war, this gave me a new respect for life; appreciating it and embracing what I have been blessed with.
How can our readers further follow your work?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyrumore/
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
Anthony Rumore On Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Leader During Uncertain & Turbulent… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.