This article was written and published by The Brake Report.
Tim Duncan is Executive Vice President, Business Development & Global Test Operations for Link Engineering Company. LINK is a multinational company dedicated to the design and manufacture of precision test equipment and provider of comprehensive testing services for a wide variety of vehicle components including braking systems. In the following Q&A, Tim shares with us valuable insights on the topics of leadership and success.
TBR: What is your current role and area of responsibility?
TD: Develop and maintain existing business relationships while overseeing the development and growth of profitable new business opportunities. Working together with others on our executive, leadership, sales and testing teams to direct and execute our business strategy and plan. Help develop and build our organizational culture, values and reputation.
TBR: How would you describe your leadership style and why has it worked so well for you?
TD: My goal is to lead as a servant leader. This aligns well with the LINK corporate value of “Satisfying our customer is our first priority.” To achieve this value I must work with the attitude of serving first. This serving attitude is about wanting to help others and LINK be successful. It is about identifying and meeting the needs of our staff, suppliers, partners and industry associations.
TBR: What do you see as your biggest challenge right now?
TD: Three major challenges at the moment are:
- The skill and foresight to coordinate and execute the required capacity at the appropriate LINK facility globally to best support our customers.
- Retaining our experienced talent and recruiting new talent.
- Finish the full implementation of our new ERP at all LINK facilities.
TBR: What do you look for when evaluating top talent?
TD: Job aptitude is very important but much more important is a proven background of team building using an execution style that focuses on treating others fairly, honestly, and with respect.
TBR: What was your first job in Industry?
TD: Assistant Application Engineer working for Lucas Industries, Troy MI. In this position I was very fortunate to be part of a growing business unit that gave me many opportunities to learn new skills, grow personally and professionally. Additionally, I had three very good mentors early in my career at Lucas.
TBR: If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself at age 20?
TD: I am not the kind of person that looks back. With this said, I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to work for and with a lot of very good people.
TBR: Name your favorite / recent book(s) you have read.
TD: My favorite book is the Holy Bible (New Living Translation). I try to read 2 or 3 books per month so let me name a few others:
The Advantage – By Patrick Lencioni
Blessed Beyond Measure – Dr Tom Hill
The Principal of the Path – By Andy Stanley
Money Master the Game – By Tony Robbins
The Good Life – by Chuck Colson
