Recently, I was interviewed on Executive Leaders Radio, a popular Philadelphia-based program spotlighting C-Suite executives, aired locally and also accessed online. In the pre-meeting leading up to the interview, the host wanted to discuss my background, including what it was like growing up and how I became who I am today.
I was a bit surprised by this since I was prepared to discuss the usual leadership concepts about culture, client service, being cutting edge from technological standpoint and keeping the firm competitive and relevant in our market place. His questions forced me to think about the past… in a hurry. This for me was a little difficult since I am always focused on projecting into the future about what’s next and how to stay ahead of the curve both personally and professionally.
Since the interview, I’ve thought more deeply about how all of our past experiences build up to not only who we are today, but also how these experiences influence our decisions and if there is any bias built into our decision making process, which can be both good and bad. I think in the end we need to not live in our past or dwell upon it, but own it. Accept it. Respect where we come from, and recognize that it is important on how we choose to move forward.
From this perspective, we can become better leaders. Recognizing and embracing our past provides the opportunity to understand the basis behind our strengths and our weaknesses. And good leaders will surround themselves with those people who can help compensate for those weaknesses. Having this understanding should also make us better listeners when we are in the midst of a decision of which we are not the most comfortable.
If you have time, you can listen to the interview at http://76.12.84.95/hagaman-bill-2866.aspx. My portion is at the 14min mark.
Bill
Hi Bill,
I really like your point about servicing to customers by attracting the best personnel who perform to the best of their abilities. Are you familiar with the book “The Big Five for Life. Leaderhip’s greatest secret” by John P. Strelecky. There is a leader by the name of Thomas Derale who runs his companies by this principle: define your Purpose for Existing and what you want to do, see, or experience in your life. Then find the best possible business model around those Big Five for Life. Don’t recruit by paper fit, but by hiring people whose Big Five for Life is in aligment with what you want them to do. So they get paud for what they like best, which is the greatest motivator.
From what is visible from the outside, your Withum Vids are breathing this exact spirit. And what you say in the interview sounds very authentic and inspiring! All the best to you and your firm!