Leadership Lessons from Great Teachers

I got a note the other day that one of my all-time favorite teachers, Jim O’Laughlin – “Jimmy O” to the students – was retiring from Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL. after more than 35 years teaching high school English.  I immediately recalled all the ways he made classes come alive, and the impact he had on me and countless students … too many years ago.  

We have all been impacted by great teachers. Like Jim O’ Laughlin, they filled the classroom with passion, and made you do the very best you were capable of.  The best ones continued to do it class after class, year after year.  They adapted to changes, but they never lost their excitement for teaching.  In fact - that’s why the best teachers do the job. They thrive on inspiring others and are fueled by the belief that their students might just leave the class better than when they started.

Business leadership should be like great teaching.  The best leaders make the business come alive.  Whether in the meeting room or shop floor, their passion for the business shows.  The great business leaders strive to bring out the most in their employees.  It isn’t about getting the highest compensation or lots of press – it’s about inspiring others and facilitating success for the entire team.  Great business leaders aren’t only good at high level strategy and decision making, they are at their best in the trenches - working with employees – day in, and day out. 

We can learn a lot from the best teachers we ever had - like Jimmy O.  They are the model for real business leadership.