Devoted to Managers and those that seek to improve their management skills

The Ultimate Power of Being Genuine

The topic of being genuine is so important, that there's probably not enough to say about that would do it justice. Those who really understand this as managers and leaders, can propel their businesses to heights that are extraordinary simply by being "genuine."

Kelleher says it in a great way:

"My best lesson in leadership came during my early days as a trial lawyer. Wanting to learn from the best, I went to see two of the most renowned litigators in San Antonio try cases. One sat there and never objected to anything, but was very gentle with witnesses and established a rapport with the jury. The other was an aggressive, thundering hell-raiser. And both seemed to win every case. That's when I realized there are many different paths, not one right path.

"That's true of leadership as well. People with different personalities, different approaches, different values succeed not because one set of values or practices is superior, but because their values and practices are genuine. And when you and your organization are true to yourselves -- when you deliver results and a singular experience -- customers can spot it from 30,000 feet."

This is something that people don't understand when they see someone being a scoundrel at times and people still accept them. Why does something like that happen? Because they were doing what they genuinely were. People aren't surprised by what certain public figures do at times because it's simply what they are by nature.

The same goes for the other side as well. If someone treats you good, you know that if they're genuine, they'll do it the next time you see them as well. If they were to act contrary to their nature and who they were, there is a lot of respect lost.

The bottom line isn't the type of personality someone has, it's that they remain true to who they are; in other words that they be genuine. Whatever they are will permeate the company and the company will be become true to the genuine as well.

This is a power that can't be underestimated. Those that try to go outside what a company is will fail miserably.

Other Herb Kelleher Sources:

Special Event

Leadership: The Essential Herb Kelleher

The CEO as Brand Guardian

Herb's way

Speeches and Presentations from Southwest Leaders

Southwest Airlines: The Hottest Thing in the Sky

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