Over the month of July, I will share lessons learned from my ATB journey, post my retirement announcement effective Aug. 1. The accomplishments and extraordinary results at ATB over six plus years belong to many. However, the learnings I will share are exclusively mine. I hope you will find them thought provoking, and perhaps even instructive.
Story: By the time you read this blog, I will have shared my last formal insights with about 30 of the top leaders in our company. While my last day before “retirement” at ATB Financial is not until July 31, this is my final opportunity, in person, to leave some leadership thoughts for them to reflect on. So, I’m going to give them all nothin’ but “C”s. Hopefully they might remember a few, and find them of value and consideration.
Key Point: “My dear colleagues, whom I genuinely love and respect. I first and foremost want to thank you for the privilege to lead by your side. You have been my heroes. I hope that you will indulge me as I share my best possible wishes as you individually and collectively lead ATB to even more extraordinary results. If I had the ability to give you all superpowers, I would give you all massive doses of C’s. Here they are:
No. 1. CARE.
I wish you the gift of infinitive abundance so you might find even higher capacity to CARE for the company, all ATBers, and yourselves. People know and trust most when they know you put the greater good ahead of individual gain. One cannot fake deep care. And when people know you do really care, they will rally behind you in astonishing ways. Be generous.
No. 2. CONNECT.
I wish you the gift of connection, and that you always are able to invest in the very first and most important step of the simple but powerful flow of Connect, Understand and Act. Connection means that you will have the energy and selfless fortitude to dig deeper in finding the unfound; those beautiful untapped people waiting for you to discover and develop them. And that you each will know the personal story of at least 100 ATBers, at a level where you know the names of partners, children, pets and more. That’s what real connection involves; no excuses. Always be connecting solutions to problems, and the people to make that formula work. Be intentional.
No. 3. COURAGE.
I wish you the beauty of endless courage and that you embrace ATB #11 with relentless vigor. I encourage you to bring your full authentic self to work everyday. Show up to be seen, and see others with fresh eyes daily. Most importantly, speak up with conviction for what you believe is right and just. Bring your unvarnished views to the table, even when perceived to be unpopular and uncomfortable. ATB and your CEO will only be able to find the right path with you all in. And that takes the courage to strongly agree and disagree. Fight to do the right thing, not to be right. Be fierce.
No. 4 CONFIDENCE.
I wish you the capacity and humble confidence to think and be big. That 10x thinking is a way of life where good is always seen to be the enemy of great. That you will ignite unbounded inspiration and aspiration. When you leave the field of play, know you’ve been truly, fully engaged in the scrappy arena not on the safe sidelines. Be BIG.
No. 5 CULTURE to CUSTOMERS.
I wish you the magic powers of better understanding and knowing what drives Culture over strategy, and that ATB’s culture explodes into the vigorous voice of legendary, remarkable loyalty from all customers and stakeholders. Be obsessed.
And one more thing, I’d like to add an ‘L’ to the ‘C’s’, because as I’ve said many times before, you’re all worth it.
No. 6 LOVE.
Have the authentic strength to declare love for each other. Yes, we have to make decisions that are difficult . However, that does not mean we cannot love one another. We come, contribute and all leave. During that journey, we can ALL love the ones we’re with. It is the human condition to want to belong and contribute. As leaders, we have the ability to create those conditions. Be brave and love unconditionally.
And with those 5 C’s (and one L), I take my leave and extend every possible best. I truly love you all.
– Lorne”
Personal Leadership Moves:
- Do No. 1 through No. 6 relentlessly.
Love in Personal Leadership,
Lorne
One Millennial View: It seems to me that most of us spend a lot of time and energy trying to earn more than a C, but it’s safe to say that these words are A+ material.
– Garrett
Edited and published by Garrett Rubis