Lessons Learned from Great Leaders

by John Keyser

Here are a few quick lessons I learned from Fortune Magazine’s issue highlighting 50 great leaders. While these principles may seem to be common sense and that we should know and practice them routinely, I assure you these are lessons that need to be reiterated.

Take Isadore Sharp, founder and longtime CEO of Four Seasons Hotels. When he established his first few motels and hotels, he knew that motivated and happy employees were essential to the success of his business. From the beginning, he set these values and expectations:

• Treat employees with respect.
• All employees, at all levels, meet with their general managers regularly.
• Everyone, at all levels, is encouraged to contribute ideas for improvement.

Every one of our companies would benefit from these principles because they demonstrate that we value our people. Those of us in leadership can create a highly energetic, positive culture if we make it a priority every day to get out of our offices, off our executive floor and we have conversations with our people. When we ask for their ideas and how we may help them, and if we are truly present and listen with patience and purpose, to learn and understand, we can watch the energy and enthusiasm rise!

Another highly effective leader featured in Fortune’s special issue is Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Golden State Warriors – a professional basketball team with an amazing record, one of the best in the history of pro sports.  Kerr believes in:

• Empowering his people to make decisions.
• Encouraging work-life balance, conveying its value to his people.
• Addressing issues and problems in a timely manner.

While thinking about lessons I have learned from great leaders, two of the best come to mind: Christine LaSala, Chair of Willis North America, and Betty Carr, former Accenture partner, now a remarkable spiritual leader.

I worked with Chris LaSala for a number of years and I can attest first hand to her exceptional leadership capabilities. She turned around an office of 1,200 people that was struggling with low morale by listening to her team members and engaging them all to be part of the solution.

Chris demonstrates these values every day:

• Leadership through conversations.
• Setting high standards for herself and her team members, and telling them she believes in them.
• Helping people feel good about themselves, building their confidence.

Chris understands that when people feel valued and trusted, they engage and work hard to live up to her level of trust.

Another great leader is Betty Carr, a former partner at Accenture. Betty is a profoundly effective spiritual leader. Countless people have been guided, and many transformed, by her wisdom. People realize:

• Betty believes in them and their potential for growth.
• She is generous with her help.
• She stands ready to challenge and confront them to strive to be the best version of themselves.

Both of these women radiate positive energy and lead with humility and quiet inner-confidence. Each of them has a wonderful sense of humor and has an ever-present smile – and they laugh easily at themselves. Their people would do anything for them.

Yes, we may know these principles, and yet it is so important to remember their core purpose: to help our team members grow in confidence and capability and to raise morale and spirit – which will greatly improve the culture of our companies.

It is clear how much these leaders appreciate their people – as all respected leaders do.

Great leaders focus on helping others!