How to be successful: Are you dependable and responsible?

Michael Andrew’s new book, How to Think Like a CEO and Act Like a Leader, was the topic of conversation at a recent event hosted by Suffolk University.  Michael led a great discussion about leadership and the challenges associated with being a dependable and responsible leader.   The event was well attended by Suffolk University MBA students, alumni and members of the Rotary Club of Andover.  Michael’s work is widely published in journals, in the Boston Globe, and appeared on the Fox Morning News discussing this book.

Check out some photos of the event and learn more about Suffolk University’s programs by attending an upcoming event.

Michael Andrew holds an MBA from Suffolk University and is currently the Group Director for Executive Development for Emirates Telecommunications Corporation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. He has created and implemented strategic leadership initiatives with Compaq, Prudential, Amoco, Shell, Lucent Technologies, Kohler, Hallmark, and McKinsey.  He was previously head of the Global Leadership Institute at Rockwell Automation, head of global learning at Sun Microsystems, and regional head of management and leadership development at Digital Equipment Corporation.

So how does a CEO think and how do you act like a leader?  Michael and members of the audience reflected on the relevance of these questions.  Here are some of the key issues discussed by Michael and members of the audience:

On how does a CEO think?

• One participant commented “It’s being the CEO of life”
• There is a conflict between short-term and long term goals
• It’s a frame of mind for leadership and action
• Developing common perspectives

Michael noted that responsibility is at the core of executive leadership and that today’s leadership needs to be prepared and know business acumen.  Interestingly, Michael felt that various executives lack confidence and knowledge of corporate finance.

On how do you act like a leader?

• Being consistent and positive – some key characteristics
• Modeling and showing what other should be doing
• Leaders listen, learn and are open to change
• Focus and pay attention
• Dress and appearance
• Relating and knowing audience
• Being approachable
• Preparation and doing your homework
• Life skills and effectiveness
• Relevance and engaged
• Able to confront and address conflict (I recommend the Suffolk MBA class “Conflict & Negotiation”)
• Seeing the greater good vs. focusing on self
• Identifying problems – leader comes up with the solutions
• STAR/PAR:  Situation, Task, Action, Results or PAR – Problem, Action, Result
• Developing a learning environment, a culture of continuous feedback.  Michael noted that the McKinsey Consulting culture was the best of learning environments, where people are hungry to learn and they recognized that feedback is a gift and an opportunity.
• Enhance know how: “Strategic alliances” with relationships and customers.  Find a customer, keep a customer and grow customers.
• Be clear in your expectations

Michael highlighted that empathy and determination were key components of leadership.  One challenge he noted was that some leaders often lack candor.  He suggested that leaders could be more candid by “treating issue coldly and people warmly”.  Although hesitant to suggest a silver bullet to leadership, he suggested that listening is a leader’s #1 characteristic.  As Michael prepares for an overseas assignment he reflected on global leadership and that “respect is the universally accepted behavior”

Check out my list of recommended leadership and business books.

What do you think?  Keep the conversation going by commenting below or join the Suffolk MBA Alumni community on LinkedIn for a discussion.  Also, for more information check out Suffolk University and Programs in North Andover.