One of my all-time favorite books about leadership and management is by David Novak (@DavidNovakOGO), Co-Founder and former CEO of Yum! Brands (KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell). It’s called (as the title of this post spoils, ‘Taking People With You’. The book is summed up in this quote- “If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together”~ attributed to an African proverb.
The book is wonderful on many levels, but the main takeaway, for me, is that the clearest path to success in business is to build your people up, recognize them, and help everyone up-level their game. This, in return, up-levels the entire business.
I saw this tweet today that captured this idea near perfectly. “Your job as a leader is to raise others up. Focus on their journey, not yours”. ~Richard Banfield (@RMBanfield)
He was quoting another tweet from @davegerhardt who posted a blurb from the book ‘Extreme Ownership’, by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. All these guys have it right!
As a leader and manager, whether visible or not, this is one of my top priorities at all times. I’d certainly not be where I am without the support and dedication from so many people that report to me, current or past.
Final thought….. Do yourself a favor and read the book ‘Taking People With You’.
Go far!
