The thousands of young people I meet with every year—at SAP, on college campuses, in graduate programs—believe that getting knocked down is a rite of passage, and they desperately want to know what goes on in a leader’s mind when we’re up against the ropes.
Last week, the students I spoke to at the University of Notre Dame asked me about my greatest setbacks. These questions have become common and are my favorites to answer.
My greatest setbacks
Sometimes I talk about losing my mother to cancer; she was my rock. This past year I have also spoken about the life-threatening injuries I suffered from an accident I had last summer.
Among my professional trials, there was the promotion that I was denied as a young salesman and the year when, as CEO, disappointment hit after a convoluted new bonus plan didn’t clearly explain the connection between our employees’ performance and pay.
The moments when leaders talk about the failures, the heartbreak, the times we felt like the underdog. Those are the moments that reveal our truest selves. Each incident, and the grit to persevere, led to our destiny.
The soft stuff is the real stuff. I truly believe that most meaningful connections happen not when other people pound their chests in pride, but when they lean into their fears and struggles. When they open up about the good and bad parts of their journey.
Being transparent is vital
Today, leaders not only have permission to open up—they have no choice. People in public and private life are clamoring for authenticity from those with power. Trust has been lost, and people want to know what’s in leaders’ hearts, not just in their tweets or speeches.
In these times of uncertainty, character is valued more than track record. And it is in adversity that character is revealed. Learning that someone we admire fell down and found a way to get up, get out, and get on with it earns our respect and empowers us to summon similar strengths in ourselves.
Sharing our worst of times is not easy for leaders. Revealing our weak moments make us vulnerable to the very people whose support we need.
Humility is necessary
Humility is the key that makes opening up possible. Humility to accept that we will stumble, and to own it when we do. Humility to recognize that the world has become so complex that no one can be the smartest person in every room. Humility to speak honestly about what matters most to us, to never forget where we came from, and to concede that we cannot achieve our dreams without the help of others.
Even when our most logical thoughts try to protect us from pain, it’s what’s deep inside of us that supersedes and gives us the courage we need. Humility teaches us that our will is stronger than our minds. Sometimes all you have is the dream, but even as you achieve your bold aspirations, always remember that you will be called upon to rise.
When you look out among the people you lead, don’t be afraid to share your whole story—the fight, the fall and the rise.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
