End of Summer New Beginnings

EFBC President, Dave Horvath, shares a few words this month about the transition from Summer to Fall and all the exciting things that come with it!

Dear EFBC Members,

As the vibrant colors of summer give way to the warm hues of autumn, we welcome September with open arms. With the start of a new season comes exciting opportunities and events for our EFBC community. Here’s what’s in store for the month ahead.

Summer Farewell and Celebrations: As the summer sun sets on another remarkable season, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to all members who joined us for the memorable summer social event at Avli on the Park. The evening was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the joy of reuniting with fellow members. With just over 100 attendees, it was a beautiful occasion to celebrate Andy and his outstanding contributions during his presidency. The event not only marked the end of summer but also showcased the unity and strength of our EFBC family.

Celebrating Milestones: Let us also join hands in recognizing the remarkable journey of Mike Moran, who has been a valued Strategic Partner for an impressive 15 years. Mike’s dedication, insights, and unwavering support have been instrumental in our collective growth and success. We look forward to celebrating this incredible milestone with Mike and expressing our gratitude for his longstanding commitment to EFBC.

Upcoming Events:

• Leadership Application Course 2.0 Kick-Off – September 20th: We are excited to announce the commencement of our Leadership Application Course 2.0 on September 20th. This transformative program is designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and strategies necessary to excel in leadership roles. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or seeking to enhance your existing leadership skills, this course is tailored to meet your needs. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your leadership journey.
• Community Engagement Forum – September 26th: Mark your calendars for September 26th as we gather for a Community Engagement Forum, a biennial tradition that fosters open dialogue and collaboration within our EFBC family. This forum provides a platform to exchange ideas, address challenges, and collectively contribute to the growth of our community. Your active participation is highly encouraged, as your insights and perspectives play a crucial role in shaping our shared future.

As we move forward into September, we remain committed to advancing our goals, supporting one another, and creating an environment that encourages learning, growth, and innovation. EFBC is more than just a business group; it’s a community of professionals dedicated to mutual success and progress.

Thank you for being a part of our dynamic and engaged EFBC family. Your presence and involvement are what make our community truly exceptional. Wishing you a fulfilling and inspiring September ahead!

Thank you!

Dave Horvath
EFBC President 2023-2024

Three Things You Should Be Doing Today To Support Your Middle Managers

They are the figurative – and sometimes literal – middle children in family and entrepreneurial businesses. Nestled between senior management and frontline team members, middle managers are often the peacemakers and pleasers of the organization (much like the middle children in a family.) Straddling both strategic decision-making and day-to-day operations can leave middle managers struggling to fulfill multiple roles and responsibilities, especially when operating with limited resources and staff. Here are three ways you can purposefully support the team members who often serve as the glue for your organization.

Nurture Their Growth

Team members are often promoted to middle managers because they are great at their job. But being great at performing a role doesn’t automatically translate to being great at managing a role. Support your middle managers as they take on these new responsibilities by offering regular training sessions or workshops focused on key areas such as active listening, having difficult conversations, providing actionable feedback, and problem-solving. A great place to start is EFBC’s The Art & Science of Executive Leadership Program, which aims to develop operational managers into strategic thinkers.

Give Them A Place To Belong

It can be isolating to suddenly be the supervisor of colleagues who used to be your peers, and often may also be your friends. Give your middle managers another peer group by forming an internal company Forum especially for them. Not only does a Forum give middle managers a safe place to share trials and triumphs, but it also has the added bonus of knocking down silos between departments.

Let Them Shine

Once you give them the professional development and community they need, take a step back and empower your middle managers with decision-making authority. By entrusting them within their areas of responsibility, you are fostering a culture of autonomy, accountability, and innovation. Together, set the boundaries within which they will operate and then expect them to act decisively and take ownership of their departments. And should they falter or fail? Support that too. Your middle managers need to feel empowered to take calculated risks and explore new ideas without the fear of harsh consequences. That is how they grow even more to some day take over your role!

Want more details on our Leadership Program or looking to launch a middle manager Forum at your organization? Contact Liz at liz@myefbc.com.