CEO Coaching: Do Good, Be Good, Make Others Good
The recent political season and coming transition has me reflecting deeply on leadership—and not in a “Let’s follow their example!” kind of way. Most of you reading this are business leaders, and while I don’t give a damn about your political affiliation (honestly, please spare me), I care deeply about your behavior as a leader. We may never work together, but I want you to excel—for your benefit, the benefit of those you lead, and frankly, for the betterment of society. No pressure.
This isn’t about politics or public policy (though there’s plenty to critique there). It’s about behavior and choices. Show me a business that would tolerate the chaos, finger-pointing, and decision-making on display on the national stage, and I’ll show you a business circling the drain.
As a leader, you have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to ensure the business world doesn’t sink to the political world’s level. The world needs great leaders. Yes, you.
So, what makes a great business leader? Let’s cut to the chase with three outcomes worth aspiring to:
1. Great business leaders profitably address a market—and they do it with integrity.
They don’t sell their soul for a quarterly earnings bump. Instead, they take the long-term view, resisting the siren call of short-term gains at the expense of their values. Operating legally is a baseline; operating ethically is the real flex.
2. Great leaders achieve great things.
And no, “great things” doesn’t mean slapping your name on whatever happened to go right while you were in the room. They actually do great things and, shockingly, give credit where it’s due. Leaders who spend more time tooting their own horn than solving problems tend to end up disgraced and irrelevant. Avoid the temptation.
3. Great leaders develop other leaders.
Think of it this way: The United States Marine Corps famously aims to “make more Marines.” Your mission as a business leader? Make more leaders. Effective leadership isn’t transactional—it’s transformative. Build people up, and you’ll build a legacy.
Let’s be real: Today’s national government isn’t exactly a hotbed of inspirational leadership. There are fewer great leaders on that stage than there were in years past (and that’s me being charitable). But here’s the good news: You, as a business leader, have a platform to lead well, accomplish meaningful things, and positively influence others.
So, don’t let the negativity of our political system seep into your organization. Aim higher. Do good. Be good. And make others good. The world—and your business—will thank you.
coaches CEOs to higher levels of success. He is a former CEO and has led teams as large as 7,000 people. Todd is the author of, Never Kick a Cow Chip On A Hot Day: Real Lessons for Real CEOs and Those Who Want To Be (Morgan James Publishing).
Connect with Todd on LinkedIn, Twitter, call 303-527-0417 or email [email protected].
