Your mood is contagious: Model the mindset you want your team to embrace
In an industry where customer expectations, technology, and supply chain dynamics evolve constantly, your people are feeling that pace of change every day. How you show up as a leader determines whether teams navigate that change with clarity and confidence or feel overwhelmed by it.
So how do you maintain a positive employee experience when everything around you is shifting?
One of the most effective strategies is simple but powerful: model the behavior and mindset you want your team to adopt. When leaders are present — walking the floor, asking questions, and taking time to understand daily challenges — it communicates that they’re connected to the work and the people doing it. That visibility builds trust.
Just as important is consistency. Employees don’t only notice what leaders do; they notice whether they do it every day. Showing up the same way in both smooth and stressful weeks creates steadiness. It reassures your team that they’re not riding the waves alone.
Your tone also sets the emotional climate. Projecting calm, optimism, and focus helps people stay grounded during change. And remember: silence creates uncertainty. Even brief, honest updates about what’s known, what’s evolving, and what’s ahead can reduce anxiety and strengthen employees’ sense of direction.
Today’s distribution workforce craves clarity, connection, and the feeling that their work matters. When leaders openly communicate, stay visible, and treat challenges as something the team can face together, employees take their cues from that confidence.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of simple recognition. A quick “I see the work you’re doing” or “Thanks for pushing through this week” goes further during high-change periods than it does at any other time. It reinforces that effort is noticed and that people matter.
Industry Perspectives
“In our organizational health surveys, one response comes through loud and clear: people want to see their leaders," says Phillip Hull, vice president, power generation at Cummins Inc. "They want to feel connected to the person driving the bus.”
This "Tip of the Week" is provided by the Talent Development Council | Texas A&M University.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The November/December issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about Applied Industrial Technologies. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dr. Bharani Nagarathnam and Frank Hurtte, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
