Steve Jones discovered early on a key trait common among the best leaders.
They listen, and learn.
“That’s step No. 1,” Jones said. “Learning the process. Without learning the process, I can’t make good decisions.”
Jones brings his knowledge-first leadership style to Gates Corporation in Iola, where he was hired Nov. 29 as plant manager.
Jones sat down with a group of Register reporters this week to discuss a number of topics, from his diverse background to challenges facing the industrial world.
Prior to joining Gates, Jones worked in several other industrial fields, most recently with TTI and Anderson Products, based out of South Carolina.
Other stops included Frigidaire, Rubbermaid and EnerSys (where he worked in Hays). Hose manufacturing, he notes, is the seventh industry in which Jones has worked.
“I’ve bounced around quite a lot,” he said.
Part of that was his desire to be on a continuous learning track.
“The easiest way to get rid of me is to let me get bored,” he joked.
The other part? Well, he’s been in high demand.
JONES brings a coaching-mentoring approach as a team leader.
“I used to say it as a joke, but it’s not meant as a joke,” he said. “I’m paid to ask a lot of questions.
“I’m paid to understand what’s going on, to assimilate the information and make the best decisions possible,” he continued. “I rely on my teams extensively, for their experience and knowledge. I value their input. At the same time, it’s a two-way exchange. I can bring best practices with me wherever I go.”
His efforts have paid off handsomely for his previous employers — and for the workers under his guidance.
For example, Jones points to his time at EnerSys, a manufacturer of industrial batteries, where workers are constantly working around lead and other hazardous materials.
(And here’s a little secret. Nearly 100% of all lead batteries are recycled.)
