Nine Things

When Jim Leech, MBA’73, spoke to the Full-time MBA class in March, many were taken aback by the title of his presentation, “What I didn’t learn in my MBA”. He explained that while his MBA experience had taught him a lot, he also learned much outside of the classroom in the years leading up to his Queen’s studies and in the 45 years in business that followed.

The former CEO of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and current Chancellor of Queen’s proceeded to offer a candid summary of the professional and personal successes and failures that shaped him, both as a man and as a leader. It’s precisely this sort of candour that Jim has used to great effect in every leadership position he’s held.

“Whenever I started a new job as ‘the boss’, I would tell the staff my life story,” he told the class. “Then every year after that, I would share my own 360-degree evaluation and performance review with the entire organization.” He found that by setting this example, he encouraged staff to be equally open with their supervisors and subordinates.

In reflecting on his long career, he returned to his original message; life offers lessons at every step along the way. The nine things he had promised his parents he’d remember when he set out in the world turned out to be lessons he continues to apply to this day.

Be honest1. Be honest
With others and with yourself. The truth is a lot easier to remember and to rationalize. The answer that is in your heart as well as in your head is much easier to pursue.

Be brave2. Be brave
Don’t take the easy way out. Take risks. If you believe in a decision, make it. Don’t wait for someone else and risk losing the opportunity. By the same token, if you don’t believe in something, be brave enough to say “No.” You’ll build your self-confidence, plus you’ll never have to wonder, “What if I’d only had the courage to...”

Be grateful3. Be grateful
There are very few things you will achieve without the help of others. Let them know you appreciate it. If you do, chances are they’ll be there for you the next time, too; but if you don’t, you can bet they won’t be. 

Be humble4. Be humble
Check your ego at the door and know that the team needs all of its members to roll up their sleeves and pull their weight. Only when you share the work, can you truly share the glory.

Be ready5. Be ready
Get as close to the decision-making process as you can. See and understand what choices are available, how decisions get made and what factors really matter, and come prepared to play your ‘A Game’ at all times.

Be open-minded6. Be open-minded
Good ideas are everywhere—every department, every location, every level—and they're just waiting to be recognized and developed into great ideas.

Be curious7. Be curious
Ask questions. Poke around. Continue your education. Broaden your perspectives. Find out why things are done the way they are. You’ll find the answer you’re looking for, as well as some you weren’t. I have found that the most fulfilled people are those who are intellectually curious.

Be passionate8. Be passionate
I cannot think of anything worse than living and working without passion—if you are not passionate about what you are doing, get out! You will be doing yourself and those around you a big favour.

Be generous9. Be generous
With your time, with your money, with your concern. Volunteer in your community. Help junior members of the team. Give a leg up to someone who’s struggling. The success they’ll enjoy as a result of the help you give them will be amongst the most meaningful rewards you’ll ever receive.