So when I posted the “Very Unusual Boss” entry, it came to mind that I had something to say about Patrick Herbert’s quote.

So how would you describe people who do not have the wherewithal to learn? Would the following make your list (not intended to be inclusive) :

• Self-centered
• Think they know
• Not so smart
• Probably not popular
• Poor team players
• Maybe not respected
• Sought out as mentors, coaches?
• Short on some key Behavior Competencies *
• Possibly big on ego?
• Might not be the best employee

Obviously the above is not intended to apply to those who have learning disabilities or other types disabling challenges.

Posted under Success, Why? Just turn the list into positives statements.

*https://successnexcess.com/2018/05/30/influence-impact-of-behavioral-competencies-on-careers/

***** S&E *****

My friend had boss that was “heavy duty” into leadership. They operated a business that was $800 million with thousands of employees spread over many countries. Here is my friends mini-account of his leadership trip with his boss.

The boss was all about performance to objectives, metrics, being responsible, demanding accountability, making sure that the leaders, his 8 direct reports, drove the business to the same standards and goals. They all had something to learn from the boss.

He was an unusual boss. He was experienced in finance, manufacturing operations management, engineering, customer service, internationally experienced — he lived and ran business in other countries. He could always ask the right questions.

He would stand up for a person, his people. He believed in family first. Recognition was a management tool and he used it frequently in many different forms and formats. He believed in pay for performance. He promoted good performers.

He believed that it was easier to close a manufacturing facility than to fix it. His default mode was fixing it. He was skilled at it, proven.

He didn’t suffer fools. He could be hard on people; did not shy away from embarrassing a subordinate or management above him in public. Not necessary! Costly in the long run.

He would purchase books for his staff to further educate them in business. He even found leadership lessons in Dr Seuss’s, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.”

He drove talent renewal. Invested in it. Created an annual process that was tracked and measured. Insisted that it was owned by his direct reports.

There many types of leaders and bosses around. It is always good to take people for their strong suits, looking for opportunities to learn. Glean the best from the best. Stash away the experiences that will remind you that is NOT how to do it, need to avoid that. Learning from poor examples is still learning. You can learn from good bosses and the other type as well.

This post listed under “success” as people’s behavior usually offers something to learn.

Love the quote from Herbert!

***** S&E *****