Leader Is As Leader Does

The life of a leader is not black and white, like an old-time picture show.  But it has a clearer, sharper focus when we remember all that we already know about how to lead.  Here is a story to flesh out the meaning of this point and give you a good feel for where you stand.

Preston Turner skipped lunch as usual and hurried to make a 1:30 appointment.  It had been a long day already.  “Why did I volunteer for this interview?” he muttered to himself as he re-tied his tie. 

Alice Johnson stood, smiling, hand out.  “Thanks for granting me this interview, Mr. Turner. This is my last paper and in a few weeks I’ll have my journalism degree.” she said, but he did not hear her. 

“My dad said to tell you hello.”

He frowned and cocked his head to the left.  “Do I know your dad?”

“Bill Johnson.  You played high school football together.  He’s kept up with you over the years.”

“Book-worm Bill?  Second string quarterback?  Married the homecoming queen?”

“That’s him, and my mom.  Still in love.”

He was already saying, “Well, I’ll be darned.  Your dad was smart.  I guess he’s successful now.”

“Not by most standards.  He could have been.  He’s a writer.  Had a chance to go to Hollywood as a screenwriter, but he wasn’t willing to move the family out there and wasn’t willing to be away from us.  In my book he’s the most successful person I know.  He’s comfortable with himself, likes his work, loves his family, has balance in his life.  How about you?  Are you successful?”

He shifted in his chair, took his eyes off her and said “By conventional standards I suppose I am.”

“I understand that you are one of the key players running the company now.  What’s been the secret in getting to the top?”

“There is so much pressure in corporate America now.  And not enough time to really manage anymore.   The pressure comes down on me and I pass it on to others.  I communicate the goals and expect the cream to rise to the top.  Good people step forward and get the job done.  It seems like the greater the pressure, the better people perform.”

“So what you’re saying is that you got to the top because you put pressure on people?”

“That’s not exactly the way I’d put it, but you’ve summed up the basic approach.”

“Doesn’t that eventually take its toll on people?”

“Sure, but that’s just the way things are now.”

“Who is the best leader you’ve ever been around?”

“That’s easy.  My high school football coach, Coach . . .”

“Mason.  That’s what my dad says, too.  Why was he so good?”

“After the end of the year, he called all the seniors in, reminded us why we’d had a championship season, and gave us words of wisdom for the future.  He said three things mattered.  First, you have to help people believe in themselves.  Second, they have to trust you to give them what they deserve.  Third . . .”

“Third, remember that everybody’s different, that what’s satisfying to one may not be to another.” 

Preston Turner was taken aback.  These were Coach Mason’s exact words. 

“My dad lives those three principles every day, at home and at work.”

She flipped back through her notepad, and said, “Mr. Turner, do you live them, too?”

He did not answer, and yet he knew he had answered by his silence.