The Corner Office

Leadership is not about having all the answers; it’s about asking the right questions and inspiring others to find the answers together.

1. Passionate Curiosity Fuels Great Leadership

Curiosity is a defining trait of successful leaders. It’s not just about wanting to learn but about having a deep hunger to understand the world, people, and business dynamics. Leaders with passionate curiosity constantly ask questions, challenge assumptions, and seek new perspectives. This mindset allows them to uncover opportunities and solve problems creatively.

Alan Mulally, former CEO of Ford, exemplifies this by learning from everyone he interacts with, from employees to competitors. Similarly, Dawn Lepore, who led Drugstore.com, sought insights from other tech leaders to refine her leadership style. These leaders demonstrate that curiosity is not a passive trait but an active pursuit of knowledge that drives innovation and growth.

Curiosity also fosters a culture of learning within organizations. When leaders model this behavior, they encourage their teams to explore new ideas and challenge the status quo. This creates an environment where employees feel empowered to think critically and contribute meaningfully to the company’s success.

Examples

• Alan Mulally’s habit of learning from everyone, regardless of their role.
• Dawn Lepore’s collaboration with tech leaders to enhance her leadership.
• David Novak of Yum Brands blending analytical and creative thinking to solve problems.

2. Fearlessness Drives Career Growth

Fearlessness in leadership doesn’t mean taking reckless risks. It’s about embracing change, stepping out of comfort zones, and making bold decisions even when the outcome is uncertain. Leaders who exhibit this quality are willing to disrupt the norm to achieve better results.

Ursula Burns, former CEO of Xerox, seized opportunities to improve processes, even when it meant challenging established practices. Debra Lee of BET Networks adapted her decision-making style when transitioning from a legal to an operational role. These examples show that fearlessness is a skill that can be developed through practice and a willingness to face challenges head-on.

Viewing a career as an obstacle course rather than a straight path helps leaders navigate unpredictable changes. Leaders like Carol Bartz of Yahoo advocate for gaining diverse experiences to build a well-rounded perspective. This adaptability prepares them to tackle unexpected challenges and seize new opportunities.

Examples

• Ursula Burns improving processes at Xerox despite resistance.
• Debra Lee adapting her leadership style at BET Networks.
• Carol Bartz encouraging lateral career moves for broader experience.

3. Soft Skills Are the Hardest to Master

Leadership is often less about technical expertise and more about mastering soft skills like communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence. These skills are essential for building trust, managing teams, and navigating the complexities of leadership roles.

Guy Kawasaki found that the “warm and fuzzy” aspects of leadership were more challenging than the technical ones. Leaders must learn to communicate effectively, listen actively, and empathize with their teams. These skills help them build strong relationships and foster a positive work environment.

Leaders also face heightened scrutiny, with their actions and words closely observed by employees. This requires them to be intentional in their communication and behavior, ensuring they set the right tone and expectations for their teams.

Examples

• Guy Kawasaki’s realization about the importance of soft skills.
• Leaders over-communicating to avoid misunderstandings.
• Jeffrey Katzenberg managing time effectively to balance leadership demands.

4. Meetings Should Be Purposeful and Engaging

Meetings are a necessary part of organizational life, but they often become unproductive. Effective leaders ensure that meetings have a clear purpose, engage participants, and lead to actionable outcomes.

Cristóbal Conde of SunGard emphasized assessing the value of every meeting. Teresa Taylor of Qwest Communications ensured participants understood the meeting’s purpose from the start. These practices eliminate ambiguity and keep discussions focused on achieving results.

Leaders also foster inclusivity and collaboration during meetings. Kip Tindell of the Container Store involved diverse perspectives, while Susan Docherty of General Motors used whiteboards for brainstorming. These approaches make meetings more dynamic and productive.

Examples

• Cristóbal Conde’s focus on meeting value at SunGard.
• Teresa Taylor clarifying meeting purposes at Qwest Communications.
• Kip Tindell involving diverse perspectives at the Container Store.

5. A Mission-Driven Workforce Outperforms

Leadership is about inspiring employees to see their work as a mission, not just a job. When employees feel connected to a larger purpose, they are more motivated and engaged.

Nonprofits like Teach for America naturally attract mission-driven individuals. For-profit companies can achieve this by setting ambitious goals that resonate with employees. Apple’s focus on creating world-changing products and IBM’s vision of a smarter planet are examples of how companies inspire their teams.

Symbolic gestures and open communication also strengthen this sense of mission. Leaders like Joseph Plumeri of Willis Group Holdings use symbols to unite employees around shared goals, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

Examples

• Teach for America’s mission to transform education.
• Apple’s goal of creating world-changing products.
• Joseph Plumeri’s use of lapel pins to symbolize unity.

6. Culture Shapes Organizational Success

A strong company culture is built on shared values, empowered decision-making, and recognition of individual contributions. Leaders play a key role in shaping and maintaining this culture.

Stephen Sadove of Saks prioritized culture over results, believing that a positive culture naturally drives performance. Vineet Nayar of HCL Technologies empowered employees by decentralizing decision-making, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability.

Recognizing and celebrating achievements also strengthens culture. Leaders like Michael Mathieu of YuMe use awards to acknowledge contributions, creating a supportive and motivating work environment.

Examples

• Stephen Sadove’s focus on culture at Saks.
• Vineet Nayar’s employee empowerment at HCL Technologies.
• Michael Mathieu’s use of awards to celebrate achievements.

7. Adaptability is Key to Leadership

The business world is constantly changing, and leaders must adapt to stay relevant. This requires a willingness to learn, experiment, and evolve.

Gary McCullough of Career Education Corporation highlights the importance of making swift decisions with limited information. Leaders who embrace adaptability are better equipped to navigate uncertainty and lead their teams through change.

Travel and cultural exposure also enhance adaptability. Leaders like Quintin Primo of Capri Capital gain valuable insights by stepping out of their comfort zones and experiencing different cultures.

Examples

• Gary McCullough’s quick decision-making at Career Education Corporation.
• Quintin Primo’s international experiences shaping his leadership.
• Leaders experimenting with new approaches to stay relevant.

8. Symbolism Strengthens Leadership

Symbolic actions and gestures can have a powerful impact on employees, reinforcing a leader’s message and vision. These actions create a sense of unity and purpose within the organization.

Joseph Plumeri’s use of lapel pins at Willis Group Holdings is a simple yet effective way to symbolize shared goals. Leaders who communicate their vision through symbols and stories inspire employees to align with the company’s mission.

Symbolism also helps leaders connect with their teams on a deeper level. By sharing personal stories or using relatable metaphors, leaders make their vision more tangible and inspiring.

Examples

• Joseph Plumeri’s lapel pins at Willis Group Holdings.
• Leaders using stories to communicate their vision.
• Symbolic gestures fostering unity and purpose.

9. Leadership is a Continuous Journey

Leadership is not a destination but a journey of growth and learning. Successful leaders embrace this mindset, constantly seeking ways to improve themselves and their organizations.

Alan Mulally’s commitment to learning from everyone he meets reflects this philosophy. Leaders who view challenges as opportunities for growth inspire their teams to adopt the same mindset.

This journey requires resilience, self-awareness, and a willingness to adapt. Leaders who embrace these qualities are better equipped to navigate the complexities of their roles and drive long-term success.

Examples

• Alan Mulally’s lifelong learning approach.
• Leaders viewing challenges as growth opportunities.
• Resilient leaders adapting to changing circumstances.

Takeaways

1. Cultivate curiosity by asking more questions and seeking diverse perspectives.
2. Foster a mission-driven culture by setting ambitious goals that inspire your team.
3. Make meetings more effective by clarifying their purpose and encouraging active participation.