"Make the vision the boss - constantly ask 'does this fit the vision?'"
This is one of those tools that is powerful beyond the simplicity it represents. No matter how some managers may want to give input into everything and micromanage, there is no way it can really be done. It not only causes resentment in great workers, but it is practically impossible to do.
That's why we need to adopt certain tools that are an umbrella to work from and under. I really like Kelleher's admonition to make the vision our boss. There is nothing more important for a business leader to do than to live from and by the vision of the company or current project they're working on.
The vision is the discipline. The vision offers safety where all sorts of creativity can flourish. When we know the vision explicitly, we can work agressively and quick because decisions aren't restrained because of uncertainty.
A business leader, probably more than anything else, should be one that is an evangelist of the vision. Nothing motivates more than the vision laid out to work toward. It's inspiring, encouraging and gets great workers to take steps to execute and get results.
That simple question posed by Kelleher to ask "does this fit the vision?" is as empowering as it gets. People can feel the shackles removed as they find the answers in the affirmative.
With the vision as our boss, everyone can move freely and in a coordinated way to completion of the task set before us. This should be an ongoing, daily thing in any business. If we get this and remember to do it, much of the problems we face as leaders are not too difficult to solve.
Other Herb Kelleher Sources:
Herb Kelleher on the Record, Part 1
Belief Model for The Leadership of Herb Kelleher (Southwest Airlines)
Herb Kelleher, Chairman, CEO and President, Southwest Airlines
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