The Wisdom of Balance

A highly sought-after media executive asked me for advice as he makes his way to the boardroom for the first time. He asked, "What made others I’ve placed like him, successful in large multinational media companies"

I told him that balance will become critical in himself and the people around him.

knowing when to be hard and when to be soft, are just as important as knowing how to listen.

At times you will need a hammer and mostly no more than a kind word, but you must be careful with both.

Leading tens of thousands of people you will need some people who are hammers to crush your competition and internally those who flow like water to build cohesive teams. Surround yourself with both and know when to empower them, to reach your goals. Never blame a hammer for being a hammer, that is why you hired them. Never blame water for being wet.

Never favor your business, technical or creative people over each other, reward their success in a shared manner and they will work harder together.

Never forget that common sense beats a graduate degree and that people that respect you and like you will go into battle with you.  Make people knights and reward them before you reward yourself. 

Remember that the things you say and do will have the power to change people’s lives. Never forget the first boss you had whom you respected and mentored you, pass this on as often as possible. 

Honor your word, never break it because at the end of the day it’s all you have.  There will be a time when the lawyers, bankers, press, and shareholders will only be swayed because you are a person of integrity.

These simple things will carry you far and live on long after you are gone.

Good luck to you.