A highlight of the 2007 Kellogg Leadership Conference was the Keynote by Professor Harry M. Jansen Kraemer Jr., a Professor of Management and Strategy at Kellogg and the former Chairman and CEO of Baxter International. (An internet search of his name offers some great bio material.) His fast-paced, dynamic and humorous delivery was backed by his consistent refrain about business: "It’s simple–not easy but simple."
Professor Kramer addressed the mostly MBA student audience with his perspectives on Value Based Leadership in the form of Six Steps on the Journey. The advice is well worth repeating. I paraphrase:
- Take time to reflect–know what you are all about, know what you value and know your own definition of success.
- Create Balance–not just work/life balance, but the balance that is right for you. There are 168 hours to work with each week…know how you will use them.
- Always, always, always strive to set a positive example. Remember, everyone’s watching!
- Don’t focus on being right–focus on doing the right thing.
- Realize that it is your responsibility to create positive change.
- Never lose the ability to keep it all in perspective.
Professor Kraemer’s parting reminder that we are all only here for a brief instant in time, underscored his refrain that we should seek to do something to make a difference.
We would all be well served to follow his guidance.