We Work Hard, And We Don’t Take Ourselves Too Seriously

I asked the CEO of a very successful company if he would visit with a friend, a young man just receiving his Masters Degree, to discuss his ideas about career choices.

When the young man arrived, the CEO invited him into his office with a friendly smile, saying, “Please make yourself comfortable, we work hard here, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.”

The next day, my friend thanked me for the introduction, said the meeting was very helpful, and that the CEO’s establishing a relaxed atmosphere set the stage for an easy flow of conversation.

This is a very successful company, the leader in its field, and is still enjoying significant growth.

I myself, have been to the company’s offices a number of times and have notice the relaxed, yet energetic atmosphere. Their people walk quickly and are busy. Yet they have smiles, greet one another warmly, and exude competence and respect. This is a company of high quality performers who are comfortable with themselves and their team.

In my interactions with people within this company, it is clear that they are very capable at what they do, and that they are always looking to improve.

As good as we are, we can do better!

This atmosphere, this culture, this way of being, is a direct reflection of the CEO’s leadership style and it cascades to and influences the entire team.

High esprit de corps? You bet! They work hard and don’t take themselves too seriously!