The best decisions are crafted when the bigger picture is crystal clear.
When it comes to ensuring that Henniges Automotive is positioned for growth and success, Larry Williams is one of those bigger picture folks. And he gets that bigger picture perspective by listening first.
Williams took the helm of Henniges in 2019, and has led the automotive supplier through the turbulent years of the pandemic and its aftermath. As CEO, his steady leadership and focus on growth has been critical for the company, which has thrived even as it grows around trends in sustainability and automation.
Auburn Hills, Mich.-based Henniges is a provider of sealing solutions to automotive OEMs.
How do you define leadership? What does it look like?
Effective leaders demonstrate the behaviors and values they wish to encourage in others. They excel at empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Great leaders inspire and unify teams around a shared vision.
As you look to elevate effective leaders within the company, what qualities do you look for in those leaders?
Effective leaders possess a unique combination of qualities, including the ability to inspire others, maintain trustworthiness, demonstrate humility, show compassion, exhibit confidence, make decisive choices and maintain a strong sense of urgency.
Trust is essential when building strong teams. But trust isn't always easy to build. How do you help build trust within the teams at Henniges?
Creating a psychologically safe environment promotes open communication, encouraging individuals to voice their opinions, while ensuring that mistakes are viewed as valuable learning opportunities. This empowerment enables team members to make decisions confidently, with the assurance that they will be supported in their growth.
Leadership also is about learning. What is one thing you have learned from others as you continue to lead the company forward?
I feel I am constantly learning from others, understanding that we all can grow as leaders. One thing that I've really leaned into this year is listening. I truly believe listening is more important than speaking—if you want the individuals and teams to provide their input—hold your thoughts until the end, but ask questions. Fight the urge to interrupt or force your opinion.
Who inspires or what inspires you as a leader?
I am inspired by the "team" having success. For example, seeing our Henniges employees come together during COVID and every year since to adapt to a constantly changing market. Helping our company to have successful years during some of the most volatile years we've seen, that inspires me as a leader.
