Turning Field Leaders into People Leaders with Ryan Englin
Most business owners think hiring the right people is the key to success. But even the best team members will fail or leave under bad leadership. In this episode, we’re tackling the crucial yet often overlooked challenge: how to turn field leaders into strong people leaders.
My guest, Ryan Englin, has spent years helping business owners in the trades and service industries build teams that don’t just show up for a paycheck but actually want to be there. We discuss why so many leaders struggle to connect with their employees, how to shift from just being a boss to becoming a leader people want to follow, and the small but powerful changes that can transform your company culture.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated that your team isn’t meeting expectations, this episode is for you. Ryan and I unpack the leadership skills that truly matter, why communication is the #1 skill every field leader needs, and how you can start seeing changes in just 30 days.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
[2:20] Why business owners in the trades struggle with leadership
[4:06] The #1 misconception about hiring and retention
[5:02] What makes a great field leader?
[7:07] Why empathy and emotional intelligence matter—even in blue-collar industries
[9:35] The most important leadership skill you need to develop
[14:15] How to communicate expectations clearly (and what happens when you don’t)
[17:42] The step-by-step framework Ryan uses to transform company culture
[19:06] How long it takes to see real change in your business
[22:23] Ryan’s book: Hire Better People Faster (how to get a free copy!)
[22:58] Where to find Ryan’s podcast, Titans of the Trades
Resources & Links:
📖 Get a FREE copy of Ryan’s book Hire Better People Faster – just cover shipping & handling corematters.com/freebook
🎙️ Listen to Ryan’s Podcast: Titans of the Trades Titans of the Trades
💻 Learn more about Ryan and Core Matters corematters.com
📍 Follow Ryan on LinkedIn for more insightsLinkedIn: Ryan Englin
READ IT INSTEAD:
How to Turn Field Leaders into People Leaders: A Guide for Business Owners
Many business owners in the trades, construction, and field-service industries believe that hiring the right people is the secret to success. While hiring is critical, retaining great employees and helping them thrive comes down to leadership. If you want a strong, reliable team that sticks around, you need to invest in your field leaders—the supervisors, foremen, and managers who directly impact employee engagement, job satisfaction, and productivity.
Yet, most field leaders don’t receive any leadership training. They’re often promoted based on their technical skills rather than their ability to coach, communicate, and inspire. The result? Employees who are disengaged, high turnover rates, and a struggling business.
If you’re facing these challenges, don’t worry—you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll break down why field leadership is the missing piece in many businesses and how to develop stronger leaders in your company.
Why Field Leaders Struggle
Most business owners don’t invest in developing leadership skills in their supervisors because they assume good employees naturally become good leaders. But that’s rarely the case.
Here’s why:
They were never trained to lead – Many field leaders are promoted based on performance in their trade or technical skill, not their ability to manage people.
They don’t know how to communicate expectations – A strong leader sets clear expectations, yet many new supervisors assume employees “just know” what’s required.
They lack emotional intelligence (EQ) – While technical skills get the job done, empathy, emotional intelligence, and communication keep employees engaged and motivated.
They manage the way they were managed – If they worked for a boss who yelled, micromanaged, or was emotionally disconnected, they may unconsciously repeat the same patterns.
They’re overwhelmed with responsibilities – Between handling customers, scheduling, and meeting deadlines, many field leaders don’t feel they have time for “soft skills” like leadership development.
The good news? Leadership skills can be taught. And small changes can make a huge impact on your team.
How to Build Strong Field Leaders in Your Business
Start with the Right Mindset: Leadership is a Skill, Not a Title
One of the biggest mistakes companies make is assuming leadership is an inherent trait rather than a learned skill. The best field leaders aren’t just those who “take charge”—they’re the ones who:
Can communicate clearly with their team
Set expectations and provide feedback
Have self-awareness and empathy
Inspire trust and accountability
As a business owner, start by shifting the mindset around leadership. Provide training, coaching, and tools so your field leaders feel confident in their roles.
Prioritize Communication Over Everything
Communication is the #1 leadership skill. If your field leaders struggle with getting employees to follow directions, perform at a high level, or take initiative, it likely comes down to unclear communication.
How to Improve Communication for Field Leaders:
Define expectations clearly – Don’t assume employees “just know” what to do. Make sure job responsibilities, deadlines, and performance standards are well-documented and explained.
Repeat key messages often – Saying something once is never enough. Leaders should communicate priorities and expectations multiple times through different channels (meetings, texts, checklists, etc.).
Encourage two-way communication – Employees need to feel heard. Field leaders should ask questions, check in regularly, and listen to concerns.
Teach Empathy and Emotional Intelligence (Without the Buzzwords)
Many field-based leaders roll their eyes at words like “empathy” and “emotional intelligence.” But here’s the reality:
Employees don’t leave jobs; they leave bad bosses.
One study found that 57% of employees leave because of their manager【source: Gallup】. That’s why training field leaders to build trust, coach their teams, and create a positive work environment is just as important as technical training.
Simple Ways to Build Emotional Intelligence in Field Leaders:
Help them understand employee challenges – Ask field leaders to think back to when they were new in their roles. What did they need from a boss?
Teach them to give feedback the right way – Instead of criticizing, train leaders to ask employees how they can improve together.
Encourage them to connect with their teams – Even a simple “How was your weekend?” or “How’s your family doing?” helps build trust.
Provide Leadership Training (That Actually Works)
A 2023 study by McKinsey found that companies with strong frontline leadership development programs see up to a 30% improvement in employee retention【source: McKinsey】.
If you don’t already have a structured leadership training program, now is the time to implement one.
What Effective Leadership Training Should Include:
Situational leadership – Teaching leaders to adjust their approach based on employee experience and needs
Conflict resolution – How to handle tough conversations and keep teams productive
Coaching techniques – Helping employees improve performance without micromanaging
Delegation skills – Preventing burnout and ensuring field leaders don’t try to do everything themselves
Many companies also benefit from mentorship programs where experienced leaders coach new managers.
Make Leadership a Company-Wide Priority
The best way to develop strong field leaders? Create a culture where leadership is valued at every level.
Recognize and reward great leadership behaviors – Praise field leaders who communicate well, support their teams, and solve problems effectively.
Provide ongoing training – Leadership development isn’t a one-time thing. Offer workshops, coaching, and refresher courses regularly.
Hold leaders accountable – Set leadership KPIs (like employee retention, job satisfaction, and productivity) to measure success.
When leadership development becomes part of your company’s DNA, you’ll build a stronger workforce and a more profitable business.
Final Thoughts
If your field leaders struggle to manage their teams, it’s not a people problem—it’s a leadership problem.
Invest in leadership training, improve communication, and create a culture where employees feel valued. The payoff? Lower turnover, higher engagement, and a thriving business.
Want a step-by-step system to build stronger leaders in your business? Check out Hire Better People Faster by Ryan Englin, which lays out practical strategies for hiring and retaining top talent in field-based businesses.
For more hiring, leadership, and business growth strategies, subscribe to the World’s Greatest Boss podcast!