How Community Nurtures Growth: A Story of Leadership and Learning
Mike Caird, GM of Floorscape and Indicator Sales Syndicate Member since 2020.
Being part of a network like the Indicator Sales Syndicate provides not only valuable business insights, but also a sense of community and belonging, along with an enhanced sense of purpose. Floorscape General Manager, Mike Caird, has been a member of Indicator Sales Syndicate since 2020. His journey reflects the power of a connected community. Having spent 20 years in sales at Nike, transitioning to the flooring industry was a new challenge. He recalls, "My first six months were all about learning the industry, understanding Floorscape’s product and positioning, and building relationships with our retail partners." As National Sales Manager, he quickly found himself responsible for a growing team - including Account Managers, Sales Support and Customer Service. And, with little time for an adjustment period, the chaos of COVID-19 bought unexpected and chaos and pressure.
“With lockdowns in place demand for flooring surged as consumers diverted their travel budgets toward home improvements. Sales were off the charts,” he shares, “but the supply chain was significantly impacted, with long delays due to the high global demand for consumer goods”. Mike’s focus shifted to working closely with supply chain teams to prioritise shipments from Belgium and keeping retail partners informed about product availability. These early challenges in Sales tested his leadership skills and laid the groundwork for the broader responsibilities he would later assume as General Manager in 2023.
Mike credits being part of the Sales Syndicate with providing a vital sounding board and learning environment, which enables him to better face such challenges. Monthly sessions offer exposure to other industries, which, as he explains, “is invaluable because you get to hear different perspectives on market challenges, sales strategies, and leadership.” Insights gained from Indicator’s guest speakers and peer-to-peer engagement have helped him evolve as a leader, particularly around sales strategy and people management. He emphasises, “The Syndicate has been instrumental in reinforcing leadership techniques and offering new ideas I can apply not only professionally but personally. It has influenced my leadership style significantly.”
So, what draws someone to a community like Indicator? Three key elements stand out: shared learning, mutual support, and growth opportunities. For Mike, the ability to engage with like-minded professionals who bring solid experience and business acumen has been a game-changer. “It’s great to share ideas, learn from one another, and even have some fun along the way,” he says. This blend of camaraderie and professionalism keeps members coming back, knowing that they can always walk away with valuable 'gold nuggets' of wisdom that influence their strategy and leadership style.
One of the critical factors that keeps Mike engaged is the Syndicate’s ability to promote continuous learning. While his earlier approach to sales leadership was focused on pushing products in front of customers, his mindset has shifted overtime. “I’ve learned to focus more on what each retail partner needs, using our products and services to provide real value.” Additionally, Mike says his leadership style has evolved to become more empathetic, tailoring communication to each team member's unique personality traits. The Syndicate has been a catalyst for this growth, offering a space to reflect, reassess, and refine leadership strategies that can be applied immediately within his team.
Today, as General Manager at Floorscape, Mike continues to benefit from the Sales Syndicate community and actively contributes by sharing his own experiences and challenges, thus supporting other syndicate members through their own journey.
As Floorscape looks ahead to the end of 2024, with a focus on product innovation and striving to add maximum value to their Retail Partners, Mike is energised by what the future holds. He will continue to drive his team forward with a clear vision and the ongoing support of a vibrant sales leadership network.
Indicator Sales Syndicate brings together sales leaders to develop skills, share knowledge and network via monthly membership, INDICATOR Sales Syndicate exists for those focused on advancing their sales leadership skills and performance.