Having just attended the one and a half day Mary Kay Career Conference last weekend, the speeches given and workshops taught by the top ranking regional and national leaders were primarily focused on achieving a make over, or transformation in ourselves and in our business in order to reach our goals. As a former cheerleader, I like to call them “rah-rah” meetings since their aim, as with any sales meeting is to excite, ignite, uplift and cheer on the sales force. Think high school pep rally, where the leaders shared how we are all part of the team and play an important role in the success of the company (Northouse, 2013, p. 193).
The methods for accomplishing this may very well have come from the Transformational Leadership handbook or more specifically, the five fundamental practices from the model of Kouzes and Posner (Northouse, 2013, p. 198). Although she passed away nearly 15 years ago, Mary Kay Ash is still touted as the ultimate role model. We are constantly reminded of her struggles as a single mother and her dream and vision to create a company that would help to transform women’s lives. All while being guided by the Golden Rule. Highly spiritual, Mary Kay felt each sales consultant should place God first, family second and career third. All strong ideals she articulated throughout her time as leader of the company and still shared today (Northouse, 2013, p. 200).
Inspiration was the major theme of the conference. Each speaker started with her “I” story as they call them, what inspired or led them to join Mary Kay. Often they involve dead end jobs, personal life changes, or the need to have more control over their destiny. Challenges to stepping out of our comfort zone and dream big were constant. We were reminded that by sharing the Mary Kay opportunity with other women, we are “transcend[ing] the status quo and doing something for others” (Northouse, 2013, p. 198).
One speaker told us she knew it was scary, and may feel uncomfortable, but we had to push ourselves and face the unknown in order to meet our goals. We were reminded of the risk Mary Kay took, as well as the risks that each and every current leader has taken to get where they are. A National level speaker shared with us how she had joined and left Mary Kay three times before finally admitting that she had not had the focus necessary nor had she challenged the process but instead expected immediate gratification. Realizing that she would have to take one step at a time and yes, she would make mistakes but could and did use those mistakes as learning opportunities (Northouse, 2013, p. 198).
Accomplishments were rewarded throughout the weekend with stage calls for top sales, top team builders, and car and trip earners. One consultant was surprised and given keys to a new car right on the spot! Rituals for celebrating and recognizing achievements go back to the very early days of Mary Kay. What you wear designates whether you are the leader of a team and at what level. And who hasn’t heard of the Mary Kay pink Cadillac? Recognizing and celebrating the achievement of the sales force, enhances the feeling of “collective identity and community spirit” (Northouse, 2013, p. 199).
After being reminded that we are each valued and appreciated for our contributions to our teams no matter how big or small, and that we are respected for our own unique “I” story, members of our group left the conference feeling uplifted and excited to take the steps required to tackle the new challenges we were given. The final step that Kouzes and Posner call enabling others to act. Through application of this Transformational Leadership model, we went home made over in pink.
References:
Northouse, P.G. (2013). Leadership Theory and Practice. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications, Inc.
Mary Kay was a transformational leader who continues to inspire women across the world to be independent, face their fears, and believe in themselves. The Mary Kay business challenges you to create your own inspirational “I” story.
Mary Kay’s vision is future-oriented- recognizing the problem: single mother in need of money, and offering a vision to overcome these troubles: become an independent salesperson and sell Mary Kay products. Creating an “I” story is the motivation towards a better future, right?
Sharing stories falls into the rhetorical skills category. Their purpose is to heighten emotional levels and pass along the vision that “If I can do it, so can you!”
Giving away the pink car and other awards at the conferences is a form of trust building. The famous car is pink and acts as an advertisement on wheels- an image has been created and is recognized internationally.
I believe personalized leadership is expressed with sympathy and empathy among the group during the story sharing. Also, there is a bond created between seller and sponsor.
Thanks for your post! The Mary Kay company is a real-world example of how effective this style of leadership is.
Not sure if you feel the same way but that kind of “rah rah” stuff seems generally in genuine and loses the meaning through, in your story, constant barrage of uplifting stories. With that said, that is one of the important take away I took from the lesson. Being optimistic is a part of transformational leadership that should not be lost. Losing sight of the “brighter side of things” can make your choices more dark and less about what this kind of leadership style is about. So, while this “rah rah” style may not be my cup of tea, one of the main reasons these kinds of conferences are held is because of the overwhelming amount of optimism that is there, which becomes magnetic that everyone feels and takes with them.
Thank you for the post, it gives me a different look of this leadership style that I had not thought of. Mainly the concept of optimism and the power that it can bring, good work.