Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.

July 10, 2009
Take Me To Your Leader
Renee' Leymon
Senior Director, National Promotion
Lyric Street

Travis Moon
Program Director
b-105 / 94.9 the wolf

Now, more than ever, people are looking for leaders. CRS 40 attendees got to see some of the best leaders in radio and the record industry together in one room. CBS Radio Minneapolis’ Mick Anselmo used his leadership experiences to ask some of the best questions from Lyric Street Records Randy Goodman, KKBQ Houston’s Johnny Chiang, Citadel Broadcasting’s Judy Ellis, and Cumulus Media’s Bill Jones.

Tackling some of today’s challenges for leaders and those they lead, the panelists told attendees how they find ways to get their people to reach deeper. Panelists talked about the tough times and how people look at their leaders, with changes in the industry and less people doing more. Panelists also discussed the steps they took in growing as a leader. They also discussed consolidation, the economic hardships companies are facing and the ensuing fear and cynicism they need to navigate. The panel helped ignite a new spirit, value, and understanding in leadership. While some new ideas were taken home, a renewal to lead was apparent.

Questions that arose were how do leaders inspire and motivate their teams to stay focused and positive through the tough industry conditions, and how do leaders maintain loyalty and trust with their employees through it all? Important advice was given to both central themes of this discussion: We need to celebrate the little successes as well as the big ones and create fun times within the office every so often. It’s important to create an open communicative environment with your employees and take the time to talk with them and follow up. Be upfront and truthful to your employees and be clear about what you expect out of them. Always ask questions and for help when needed. Know that you don’t know it all. Minimize personal gossip within the workplace. Take the time to train and coach your employees properly. These main points can help all teams create unity within work and we thank the leaders who were gracious enough to donate their time and wisdom for us to use.

While CRS brings forth the best ideas for the people in our industry, it also finds the best ways to tap into what is on people’s minds in the timeliness of moments.

Take Me To Your Leader was one of CRS’ impactful sessions in that it accomplished both.

The CRB Executive Memo May not be reproduced without express written permission of The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. Ed Salamon, Executive Director, Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc., Publisher. Executive Memos are the opinions of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc., its Board Members or sponsors.