“Put it Over There, I’ll Get to It”
Gratitude and humility may not be characteristics we normally think of as leadership essentials, but at VIM Executive Coaching we think they are pretty important attributes.
Before going any further with this post, we understand that there have been many leaders, many financially successful people, in fact, who have “not been nice guys.” Some may be found on lists of the world’s richest people and all that. And yes, we understand it may be a bit frustrating to view people surrounded by all the trappings of wealth who are neither gracious or humble.
Leaders We Have Known
Yes, we have known “leaders” who have been quite mean-spirited hard-drivers who have ignored even the simplest acts of kindness.
We well remember the story of a wealthy executive whose staff scraped together an remarkable amount of money to buy him a present. He was at his desk working away on another mega real estate deal, when one of his administrative assistants delivered the present. He looked up, somewhat perturbed, and said: “Put it over, there, I’ll get to it.” From what we understand, he barely grunted an acknowledgement of thanks.
His life did not come crashing down after that event, in fact his net worth has since climbed to the billions of dollars, but has he ever been an executive leader? We understand it is frustrating to work for someone like that even if they offer attractive salaries, but does he command respect? Does it matter? We think so.
The Parameters We Set
The executive who came to mind above, made a lot of money through buying and selling real estate. By all financial standards he is wealthy on paper. However, what about the qualities that go into making a good leader?
From those who knew him, he was not necessarily respected. He did not command great loyalty nor did anyone especially “enjoy” working for him. He was not a humble man and in fact, he led by fear and ego and that is what he taught his staff. There are a hundred photos of him online, sitting in a spacious, panel-lined study on Victorian chairs, but in that setting, designer suit and all, he appears remarkably isolated.
It goes to the question of leadership.
An executive who is inauthentic and lacks compassion and certainly, humility, may be “successful” within a narrow constraint, but he or she is not a leader. Here is the problem: when the pillars of their support crumble, they are often left devoid of staff and certainly, loyalty.
There are executive leaders we have coached, clearly not billionaires living in panel-lined offices, but who have started and/or worked for organizations where they have made a great impact. In their free time, they have worked tirelessly for charities, nonprofit organizations or have volunteered in their communities. They don’t boast about their accomplishments, but accomplish on a personal and heartfelt level.
They are effective and mindful leaders, but humble in their accomplishments. In turn, they inspire mindfulness, gratitude and a sense of humanity.
We have, within each one of us, the tools to make a difference as executive leaders and as people. Being mindful isn’t necessarily being “soft” or avoiding what must be done, being mindful is seeing situations for what they are and people for who they are.
We can well imagine the hurt that rippled throughout the staff when the powerful executive dismissed their gift. However, we can’t help but wonder, now that he is an old man, if he doesn’t regret his contempt.
There are many things money can buy, but reputation isn’t one of them. Being mindful may not be as impressive as an imposing library with leather-bound books, but it is far more precious to be able to read someone’s heart.