Values and Attitudes Trump Knowledge and Skill

In 1955 Louis Mobley was given a blank check by Tom Watson, IBM CEO. His task was to create the IBM Executive School. This post is a short snapshot of the related article in Forbes.

Mobley began by commissioning an extensive evaluation and assessment of successful executives to identify the tangible commonalities. The results? “The only thing they seemed to have in common was to have nothing in common.” Mobley persisted. He had a blank check and clear direction from the CEO. What Mobley determined is that he was looking in the wrong place. Skill and knowledge was all over the board. The commonalities great leaders shared were in values and attitudes. The following ten became the foundation of IBM executive development.

1. Great Leaders Thrive on Ambiguity
2. Great Leaders Love Blank Sheets of Paper
3. Great Leaders are Secure People
4. Great Leaders Want Options
5. Great Leaders are Tough Enough to Face the Facts
6. Great Leaders Stick their Necks Out
7. Great Leaders Believe in Themselves
8. Great Leaders are Deep Thinkers
9. Great Leaders are Ruthlessly Honest With Themselves
10. Great Leaders are Passionate

It is worth the 3 minutes to read the details of this article Ten Leadership Lessons from the IBM Leadership School by August Turak in Forbes April 2, 2012. While much has changed in the world of business over the past 55 years, Mobley’s work is enduring. I’m the Outsider and that’s what I think.