5 Lessons Learned From Herb Kelleher
Hire for attitude, train for skill- Herb Kelleher
As I reflected on all the instances when I was chosen for an internship or employment and when I requested feedback, most comments focused on my positive attitude. It would help if you had the correct mindset; you don't always have to be the best and brightest. Adopting the mindset is open to learning but wise enough to pay attention.
Seeing all the posts about Herb Kelleher made me sad. I was sad about losing someone that I had never met. I only know of him because of Southwest Airlines, but I feel like Herb and I were friends. After studying his company and leadership style, I think we developed a friendship. Herb developed a brand that made people feel like they were a part, and I am a part in many ways. I fly Southwest, and my fiancee is an employee of Southwest, so I get to see and experience the culture of Southwest Airlines firsthand. He had a Servant's Heart!!
In honoring my friend Herb, I would like to share five lessons I Learned from him:
Lesson #1: Create a legacy that endures after you. Our time on this planet is limited, but we are meant to make the most of it by creating things that will serve as our own and other people's defining moments.
When we think of Herb, we think of Southwest. His legacy is ingrained in the organization's structure. Mentioning one without the other is difficult.
What are you doing to leave your legacy?
Lesson #2: You may not be qualified in the eyes of everyone in the industry, but when you seek to be an agent of change, do not allow the industry to change you. Go in to change the industry. In a podcast interview, Herb mentioned, "I knew nothing about airlines, which made me eminently qualified to start one because what we tried to do at Southwest was get away from the traditional way of airlines." Herb knew he was not qualified, but he used what he had to revolutionize an industry and discovered an untapped market that made air travel affordable to all. He did not focus on what he did not have. He fought to solve a problem within the industry
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Lesson #3: People first. His people first. I recently read an article that described this Southwest Airlines Customer that complained after every flight; she always complained about what she did not like about the flight or airline but kept flying Southwest Airlines. The team sent the message to Herb, and Herb told her that she would be missed. He understood that his people were first and were willing to dismiss a customer for his employees when employees see the CEO committed and accessible, which creates a culture of loyalty and trust. As Herb stated, "if the employees are first, then they are happy, a motivated employee treats the customer well., the customer is satisfied, so they keep coming back which pleases the shareholders.
Lesson #4: Be confident in what you bring to the table. Although other airlines criticized him, he was confident in Southwest Airlines, so he fought hard to turn the vision into a reality. He understood that the airline industry was for people who worked for corporations, and he wanted to expand the market. He knew and had confidence in what he was doing, and so should you. Trust and believe the world is waiting to see the best you
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Lesson #5: Do not forget to laugh at yourself as I listened to the podcast and read and heard stories about Herb. His talking about his people was consistent, but the things people said about him were also consistent. He enjoyed listening and learning about others. He made others laugh and smile along the way, even myself.
The link to the How I Built This Podcast is below:
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/national-public-radio/how-i-built-this/e/48306996
Thanks, Herb!
