I want to ask you a question about what personal benefits do you get from your civic involvements?
I remember when I retired I got bored after two weeks and needed to be doing something that would help people. I find that the more I get involved in organizations, the more I learn how to help people. These experiences keep me learning and fulfilled.
11. One of the benefits of growing older is that we are increasingly able to reflect on our experiences and learn from them. Have you found any patterns of personal behavior no longer useful in your leadership role? If so, what are these and how have you changed?
The biggest thing I have learned is not to look over my shoulder and worry about the past mistakes I have made over my lifetime. Learn from them Yes. Second, I have learned patience. At one time in my career I recognize I was not a patient man, but as I have grown older I have gained a lot of patience . I have also learned not be as pushy as I once was. A friend of mine at Grass Valley Group once said to me “Make sure you have plenty of velvet on the wheels of your steam roller.” I have been trying to add a little more “velvet” to my steamroller wheels all the time.
12. What leadership qualities do you most admire in effective leaders that you have known? Which of these qualities do you believe best describe your leadership?
My boss at Ampex was a great model. He always encouraged and trusted me and gave me responsibility. The quality I admired most in him and other good bosses is that he did not micro-manage me. I did not like to be micro-managed, therefore I don’t micromanage down.
13. What, if any, spiritual traditions or practices do you most draw upon in exercising leadership?
I am not a heavy churchgoer, but I have a strong belief. Organized religions are not very important to me, but believing in people is important. I talk to my maker.
15. What is the one mistake you see leaders making more frequently than others?
Some leaders think their title means they need not be open to others or to listen to them. And they believe their post gives them the right to have the only right answers. Some leaders are not comfortable having smart people reporting to them-they just want people that agree with their opinions.
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