A Leader is the Business Culture
There has never been a question concerning Herb Kelleher, that he was the one that set the tone of the unique business culture of Southwest Airlines (LUV). He never had to teach verbally what the culture was, he lived it in front of everybody.
All the warm feelings and expressiveness that have been part of Southwest, came directly out of who Herb Kelleher was and how he lived, worked among and treated his people.
He had one of the most trusted, extraordinary relationships with them that there has ever been in the business world.
This will be true of any business leader, no matter what they are like and no matter what they say. Whoever they are eventually will filter through a company. I
t can't be helped, it's part of human nature.
If you want to know why the company or division you lead has the type of culture it has, and you've been around long enough to have made a difference ... just look in the mirror, because you're it!
You will find yourself in the attitudes, practices, talk and thinking of your people. They will take on who you are, not necessarily what you say. People learn and react to far more what is done in front of them, than they do by being told something.
Just something to remember when you look out at your people and wonder why they're like they are. Whoever you are, for better or worse, is who they will be. We need to make sure how we want them on the job, is who we really are, because it will be what will be seen and lived through them.
Other Herb Kelleher Sources:
ENTREPRENEURS: BORN OR MADE? A CONVERSATION WITH HERB KELLEHER OF SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
Herb Kelleher An Entrepreneur For All Seasons
Herb Kelleher: The Thought Leader Interview
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