August 2015 Volume 8 Issue 5
|
A Costly Mistake or a Learning Investment?
Tom Watson Jr., CEO of IBM between 1956 and 1971, was a key figure in the information revolution. Watson repeatedly demonstrated his abilities as a leader, never more so than in this example. A young executive had made some decisions that cost the company several million dollars. He was summoned to Watson's office, fully expecting to be dismissed. As he entered the office, the young executive said, "I suppose after that set of mistakes you will want to fire me." Watson was reported to have replied, "Not at all, young man, we have just spent a couple of million dollars educating you." This story provides a strong message of support and a reminder that some of the most powerful lessons we can learn are from our "so called" failures or difficult times and how we respond to them. A characteristic of good leadership is to see things differently. Watson's response illustrates the importance of vision over short sightedness. It is seeing mistakes as an investment in learning.
(Source: Organizational Culture and Leadership by Edgar Schein)
|
What Leaders are Reading
Organizational Culture and Leadership by Dr. Edgar H. Schein - Published in 1992, Organizational Culture and Leadership is a must read for all who live and work in organizations. Leaders, managers, members, and consultants will especially want to digest its rich cultural descriptions and classic principles for understanding and managing organizational culture and leadership.
The Bible, The book of Nehemiah - When looking for a book on leadership principles, the average person is not likely to think of the Bible as a resource. But, to a discerning reader, the Bible has much more to offer than spiritual guidance. Nehemiah, the sixteenth book of the Old Testament, for example, is a compendium of leadership principles and techniques.
|
