Episode #19
What to do when you're promoted above your mentor and mates with Simon Flannery
What happens when your mentor ends up reporting to you? In this episode, we're joined by Simon Flannery, senior mechanical engineer at Malabar Resources' Maxwell Underground Mine. Starting as a mechanical apprentice in 2013, Simon has worked his way up through trade, frontline and middle management into senior leadership, where his role is now far more about people and process than machines. He's currently helping build a brand new mine site from the ground up, handpicking his team and setting the culture from day one. We unpack: Leading people who used to be your mates or mentors ️ What it takes to build a team and culture from the ground up ⛏️ The mindset-behaviour loop that helps you drive a sustainable safety culture Chapters: 0:00 – Coming Up 0:45 – Meet Simon Flannery 2:15 – What leadership means in the trades 3:17 – Leadership as an apprentice 4:34 – Navigating the transition from mate to manager 6:49 – What to do when you have to lead your mentor 10:38 – Building mine site team culture from scratch 11:59 – Creating buy-in with short-term contractors 12:53 – How to start with why for team engagement 16:20 – Managing a team of mixed performers 19:19 – Building a safety culture that holds 20:34 – The mindset and behaviour loop for leaders 24:18 – Why you need to guard your attitude Follow Tradies Who Lead on Instagram , Facebook , YouTube or TikTok for more from the Tradies Who Lead community. Tradies Who Lead is powered by Blue Leader. If you'relooking for support in building leadership skills within your team, reach out here . Or download our free eBook: 5 Things Every Tradie Needs toKnow About Leadership If you want to connect with Simon, you can reach him via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-flannery-37342818b
