Successful companies have a leader — or more than one leader — standing behind them, ensuring their survival, continuation, and future.

As I reflect on the leadership challenges I have observed in myself and others, I’ve realized that “no” is a hard word for many managers to say.

Vision, commitment, consistency, integrity, contribution — these are some of the many values that great leaders hold in the highest regard. Leadership is the “it factor” in any business, especially within an industry that contains a multitude of sources of proven business processes.

I am certain, however, about one thing: the importance of growth. To me, the contrast between growth and the alternative has sharpened, and in this area, I feel blessed with clarity.

The reality is that it’s hard to manage the behaviors of your team day in and day out. After all, this responsibility spans the entirety of your business and includes every employee.

Similarly, we’ve heard from all corners of the industry that we have a “workforce crisis” upon us as the aging baby boomers who staff this industry retire and no one is left to fill the jobs they leave. We are apparently helpless in the face of this looming crisis. What is a good business operator to do?

When thinking about their career options, today’s youth are not choosing to pursue the trades. This is not due to stupidity. They’re simply ignorant to what a career in the trades can offer. What a change from 30-plus years ago, right?

Twenty employees sit in a classroom. They all receive the same information at the same time in the same way. The class ends. Does everyone understand what we discussed?

That’s right. The trades are not Option B for a young person. They are Option A — a top-tier choice.