You may be good. You may be better than everyone else. But without outside input you will never be as good as you could be. We all do better when somebody is watching and evaluating
Andy Stanley [The NEXT Generation Leader]
I first learned about Bill, and this book, from a podcast I listened to on the Tim Ferriss show – https://tim.blog/2019/04/09/eric-schmidt/ and thoroughly enjoyed listening to Eric Schmidt talk about what he learned, and how Bill impacted his career and the lives of so many people.
Full disclosure. I have not read this book yet, however from the articles, podcasts and video conversations I have heard I need to buy this book and learn from Bill Campbell. The stories from those that knew Bill quickly make you believe that you would have liked him and appreciated his input, advice, and coaching…
This may be the worst “book report” I share, but I hope you can take some of the insights and improve yourself and those around you. The amazing thing with the advise I chose to share below is that none of it requires you to be in a position of leadership; rather, all of the advice is simply things you can do at any level to be fully positioned to move ahead in your career and to reach your true potential.
One of the keys that is shared is the idea of being coachable. True leaders are honest and humble, and they are willing (and eager to receive) coaching. Are you eager to receive coaching? Are you teachable? No matter what your position is right now, this one factor will be one of the key attributes that will determine your long-term success. This does not require an MBA, years of experience, or a fancy title… This only requires that you have the humility to realize that you are not a good as you can be, and that listening and accepting feedback will help you grow, improve, and reach full potential.
Again, regardless of your current position, focus on becoming the “right player”. In Bill’s mind this means building and demonstrating the key characteristics that leaders look for. The ability to learn fast, a willingness to work hard, integrity, grit, empathy and a team-first attitude. If you do this, you are well positioned to reach your full potential. If you think you already demonstrate all of these traits, and you are not at the level or position you deserve, I strongly advise you to read the previous paragraph, demonstrate humility and seek coaching to help you get to your peak.
Not many leadership books talk about “love”. However, wise leaders realize that people become stronger when you embrace them with love. Look for the best in everyone you interact with and treat them with respect and care. We all love to be around those that nurture us. Build this soft skill and you will not only become more successful, you will become someone that others actually want to see be successful.
Last point I want to share is the idea of helping others. Zig Ziglar would say, “You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.” Again, regardless of your current position you should focus on being generous with your time, with your network, and with all your resources. It seems counter-intuitive, but the best way to achieve more is by helping others achieve more. What are you doing now to help those around you? Great leaders know that helping others be successful is the key to reaching your full potential and becoming truly great.
All of the images and ideas shared are from the slideshare – Trillion Dollar Coach. In this slide deck there are 33 principles shared by various leaders that were coached by Bill Campbell and they credit Bill with each, as well as their success. I only share a few, and I am certain you will find one or more others that will be powerful to you.
If you have read this book, I would love to hear your opinion on if I should read the book, and any key takeaways you captured.
Wish you the best life and your career. Hope something I shared inspires you or helps you get to the next level of success.
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