Final Thoughts: Strong leaders forge stronger metals' industry success at AMWI

Coincidentally, the conference converged with the astrological phenomenon known as the “super moon.” Attendees gathered for the event’s welcome mixer in a courtyard beneath a dark, clear, star-strewn sky, where the giant Beaver Moon nearly stole the show. As the moon made its closest orbit to the Earth on Nov. 5, it radiated above the tables of mingling metal enthusiasts conducting exchanges. The overall vibe of people and ideas felt electric. 

A few participants trekking through the resort reported hearing coyotes howl. And multiple participants said they got lost on the way to their rooms. Everyone I spoke with reported excitement for the upcoming events.  

Inspired ideas

A leadership presentation drew in a crowd of conference goers, likely due to its impeccable timing and universal application. Participants blamed the gap between words and deeds for eroding buyer–producer trust and said leaders’ analysis paralysis likely precipitated layoffs by squandering opportunities. Essentially, lack of solid leadership is a universal frustration.

Thinking back to the SMU Steel Summit Conference in Atlanta this summer, I remembered something SDI President and COO Barry Schneider said. To paraphrase, he said, “I told an associate at Steel Dynamics, we’re well positioned due to effective decisions made earlier.” He said something along the lines of, “decisions made in hard times can position a business to take advantage of opportunities.” Strong decision-making was at the crux of what makes a leader effective.  

Professor Rachel Woods of Baylor University said the traits of top leaders are the same themes that define effective metals leaders. Her synthesis regarding decision-making reminded me of Schneider’s reflections back in Atlanta. Woods concluded that exceptional leaders show strong character and integrity, build professional competence, communicate specifically, thoroughly, and frequently, and freely share helpful information.

How does this shake out when there is so much uncertainty in the metals market, specifically the steel market? Fellow conference-goers from sales teams, mills, service centers, brokers, and importers told me the common hiccups in doing business today stem from failures in one of the areas Woods identified.

Misunderstanding a customer’s financial position or organizational goals might be at the forefront of a poor selling strategy. Lack of trust caused by a gap between public statements and private actions led to distrust between some buyers and producers, participants said. Conference participants noted analysis paralysis from some leadership led to missed opportunities, which they suspected caused the need for drastic measures.

Woods framed leadership through the metals industry while revealing lessons for leaders everywhere.

The discussions showed Woods’ leadership rests on the idea that a rising tide raises all ships. Otherwise, being ambiguous and vague about expectations, too hasty in making decisions, being too resolute in one’s skillset and unwilling to change, gatekeeping information, etc., stem from the point of view that to succeed others must fail.

Broadening the scope

Boarding my aircraft one day earlier than expected, lessons about leadership and a zero-sum dynamic were palpable. The US government shutdown forced multiple airlines to cut flights, causing utter chaos among some travelers and airport professionals. It struck me that a lack of effective leadership was at the heart of the unnecessary drama. I do not have an MBA or a business degree. I haven’t ever studied public policy. What I do know is that as citizens we pay our representatives to represent what is best for us, collectively. That requires bold leadership. 

Right now, an absolutely magnetic group of metal professionals is buzzing beneath a supermoon on Maricopa and Pima tribal land. They’re offering industry solutions, targets, goals, and inspiration to forge successful paths across these unfamiliar economic, social, and political landscapes. Maybe our elected officials should swing by for a lesson or two.