GM Chapter 1 | Leading by Example: Habits That Inspire Respect

Mike Johnson

So, there's this concept I like to hammer home: leadership isn't about titles or corner offices. It's about showing up—being there when it counts. I remember this storm that hit Pennsylvania a few years back. One of our team’s oldest clients had her backyard practically underwater, silt everywhere, her favorite magnolia tree buried deep. I didn’t even hesitate—I grabbed my shovel, threw on my boots, and got out there to help clean it up.

Jake Ramirez

Wait, hang on. You, out there knee-deep in mud? Man, I gotta see that! But seriously, that’s the kinda move that sticks with people. Like, your team seeing you shoulder-to-shoulder with them? That’s next-level stuff.

Mike Johnson

Exactly, Jake. It wasn’t about making some big statement; it was just about doing what needed to be done. But the crew—that changed them. They saw it and they stepped up their game. Honestly, morale and trust grew more that day than in any meeting or performance review I’ve ever held.

Jake Ramirez

Oh, for sure. Like, I always tell my guys—when your leader’s in the trenches with you, it makes you wanna give a hundred and ten percent. But let’s talk about the other side of this. You know, the manager who’s all spreadsheets and no face time? Those are the ones who lose buy-in fast.

Mike Johnson

Yeah, there’s a big difference between leadership on paper and leadership in real life. I know another GM who—on paper—should’ve been phenomenal. MBA, top of his class, incredible with financial models. But the crews? They hardly knew his name. He never walked-a-site. It was all numbers for-him. And you could see it in the company: high turnover, low morale, no sense of unity.

Jake Ramirez

Dude, that’s the worst. I’ve worked with guys like that. And it’s not even the pay or the equipment—like, you can have the fanciest truck fleet, but if management doesn’t show up? Forget it. People check out.

Mike Johnson

Right. It’s less about resources and more about connection. And a big part of that connection is setting the tone. If you see trash left at a site and ignore it? That choice sends a message. It says, “This is fine.” But if you pick it up and call your crew over to say, “Hey, we leave every site better than we found it," you just redefined the standard.

Jake Ramirez

Can I just say, I love that? ‘Leave it better than you found it.’ That’s gold. It’s like when I double-check our tool shed at the end of the day. If I let them leave it a mess one time, it’s chaos the next week. But when they see me putting stuff back properly, they match that-energy.

Mike Johnson

It’s leadership by example, Jake. The accountability, the standards—it all filters down. And that’s when you start to see real respect forming. It’s not handed to you because of your title. It’s earned, through sweat, consistency, and showing you care.

Jake Ramirez

Ain’t that the truth. Like, if you’re not even willing to get your hands a little dirty, how can you expect your team to give their all? But you know, respect isn’t just about the heavy lifting—it’s about seeing the team, you know? Actually noticing them.

Mike Johnson

Exactly. It’s also in the little things—like remembering someone’s birthday or asking, “How’s your kid doing?” Those moments build bonds. And strong bonds lead to teams that don’t just work harder—they work smarter, safer, and with pride.

Mike Johnson

You’re absolutely right, Jake—respect starts by noticing the little things. And one of the most powerful ways to do that is just by being present. A quick visit to a job site or a call to check up on a client? It shows you’re not just sitting in the office. You’re invested in them and their success before any issues arise.

Jake Ramirez

Totally. And it doesn’t even need to be a big deal, right? Like, I remember last summer, the squad was just... dragging. It was hot, work was behind, and morale? Rock bottom. So, I jumped in—not just giving orders. I mean literally throwing mulch beside my crew.

Mike Johnson

That’s huge, Jake. What happened next?

Jake Ramirez

Dude, -game-changer. At first, they were like, “What’s this guy doing?” But then they started matching the energy. Jokes are flying, the pace picks up, and by lunch, everyone’s back in sync. It wasn’t just about the work—it was like, “Hey, we’re in this together. We’re a team.”

Mike Johnson

Exactly. Actions like that send a message, Jake. It’s not about barking orders—it’s about leading by example. And that’s what proactive management really is. You’re setting the tone, guiding the process, and—most importantly—letting your people know they’re not just cogs in the machine. They’re the f-ing engine.

Jake Ramirez

That’s right Mike! And you know, a big part of that is empathy. Like, just recognizing that people have stuff going on—they’re not robots. I start every morning asking the team, “Hey, what’s working for you guys? What’s not?” You’d be surprised what kind of gold you get from just listening.

Mike Johnson

Absolutely. Empathy isn’t some fuzzy, feel-good thing—it’s practical. When a crew knows you care, when you notice the little things like how they’re doing or what tools they need, they’ll go the extra mile. It builds pride and loyalty, and that creates safety and quality.

Jake Ramirez

You nailed it. And man, it’s those little moments, right? Like, I don’t always get it perfect, but a quick “What's-Up Tim? Nice review from Mrs. Johnson yesterday!” or a shoutout for someone staying late? It’s not fluff—it’s fuel for the team.

Mike Johnson

Couldn’t agree more, Jake. And it’s not just about morale; it’s about building a habit—a culture of engagement. Because trust me, when you show up consistently, when you ask questions and listen to the answers, it creates a ripple effect. Your crew feels valued, and they bring that same energy to the work.

Jake Ramirez

Right. And that’s when the really cool stuff happens. Like, they don’t just show up—they own it. And suddenly, your team’s doing things you didn’t even ask for, just because they care. That’s what good leadership sparks.

Mike Johnson

You know, Jake, thinking about what you just said—when a team starts owning their work and doing things because they care—that’s the kind of leadership I’m talking about. It’s not about big speeches or grand gestures. It’s those smaller, consistent habits—how you show up for your team daily—that earn that kind of respect and spark that ownership.

Jake Ramirez

Oh, one hundred percent. Like, I tell my crew all the time, “Show up, step up, and keep it steady.” It’s those little moves, man—checking in with guys, making a habit of shouting out their wins, even just saying, “Hey, I noticed you handled that tough client well.” Stuff like that sticks.

Mike Johnson

Exactly! Celebrating small victories, appreciating effort—that’s incredibly important. And what a lot of leaders miss is that being genuine matters even more. Like, don’t go throwing around hollow compliments. Be specific. Say, “Hey, I was at Mrs. Smith's yesterday, you guys cleaned up perfectly and hit the details man, good shit!"

Mike Johnson

That kind of attention earns respect.

Jake Ramirez

Yeah, for sure. It’s like, when you notice the details, people know you care. And when they know that, they wanna go the extra mile because they feel seen. It’s this feedback loop, right? The more you engage, the harder they work, and it cycles back.

Mike Johnson

That’s the magic, Jake—it becomes a culture. And the best leaders? They build those habits of connection, curiosity, and care. The simple act of asking, “What’s working for you guys? What’s getting in the way?” can uncover solutions before problems grow legs.

Jake Ramirez

Totally. And you don’t even have to overthink it. I always keep it real simple—start the day with fifteen minutes walking the site, chatting with the team, scoping out anything that might need attention. I mean, it’s quick, it’s easy, and it gets the pulse of what’s happening. Plus, it makes people feel like they’re part of something that matters.

Mike Johnson

You nailed it, Jake. Leadership isn’t complicated, but it does require intention. Small habits, done consistently, create big results. Whether it’s checking in, leading with empathy, or just being there—daily engagement fuels long-term success.

Jake Ramirez

And it’s contagious, man! Like, once the crew feels that vibe, they literally become your best recruiting-tool. They’ll speak highly of you to new hires, they’ll have pride in the work, and suddenly the whole team is operating on another level.

Mike Johnson

That’s the goal. It starts with habits that seem small but build respect one action at a time. Simple, consistent leadership habits pave the way for trust, pride, and a thriving culture.

Jake Ramirez

Couldn’t have said it better. And to wrap it up, here’s my advice to all the leaders out there: Show up. Ask better questions. Make every day another step toward building a legacy your team respects. Oh, and don’t forget to celebrate those moments along the way. They matter.

Mike Johnson

Spot on, Jake. Leadership is a habit—it’s built on the actions we take every day. So start small, stay consistent, and show your team what respect and care look like in action. That’s how we lead—with boots on the ground and purpose in our hearts. And on that note, we’ll catch everyone next time. Thanks for tuning in to Modern Service Mastery, B-School with boots on!