I’m in a relatively new role at work, and one of my priorities has been to both get to know my entire team and to give them an idea of who I am — including my personal and professional goals.
There’s no surprise, that I loved hearing the story of Doug Conant — former CEO of Campbell Soup Company — who shared the philosophy that conveying a full picture of who he is right away to his team, including what he stands for and wants to accomplish was critical to his personal mission. When he took over, he was faced with reversing a severe decline in market value and “re-energizing” the culture. Conant led the company to deliver excellence, including world-class employee engagement in the 10 years he served as the company’s leader.
So, how does this point us to serving better all around? Here’s a quote from Conant that I loved from the Harvard Business Review, “Leadership is a Conversation” series, (Groysberg/Slind, June 2012):
“I explained that my goal is to take the mystery out of our relationship in a personal way, as quickly as possible, so that we can get on with the business of working together and doing something special.”
Is that not brilliant? So, YES, it is my feeling we can all learn something here. Both in my personal relationships (and certainly work relationships) I have found that the more we are able to share our true selves — be transparent, honest and authentic (with a positive approach…) — the quicker we are to move forward.
More often than not, when we are able to take out the “mystery” factor, we are able to forge ahead. I love this. Just today, in fact, I experienced two of my team members at work came together to reveal themselves and, as a result, are on a better path.
Do the people you “do life” with know who you truly are? Is there an opportunity to advance your relationship so that you can truly being “doing something special?”
Have a great Labor Day weekend!
You are an awesome role model and honestly have inspired me beyond all doubts. Thanks for sharing your life with us, it made the transition easier. Now with myself being in a new role, I’m learning the value of sharing small pieces of myself with my team. Keeping them uplifted and knowing they arent in this alone.
Billie- You are going to be an amazing leader. If there is anything I can do at all for you, please let me know. Thank you for this awesome message. You made my weekend.
Very truthful, Lori. Thank you so much for sharing! The number one thing I learned in business school is to be transparent. Be available. Be visible at every level of your company every day with this positive attitude no matter how successful you are!
That is terrific business school advice. It’s good advice period… Praying for you and your sweet family.
Always love your blogs. Love you, also.
Thank you sweet lady! Love you so much
Lori,
I love this and the whole concept of being an open book and authentic! Thanks for the good words and for being an inspiration to many!