While serving as President and CEO of Walmart, Inc., as well as after he retired, Michael T. “Mike” Duke met with my leadership class every time I offered it. Mentioned frequently, he may well be the most-quoted guest leader in Why It Matters: Reflections on Practical Leadership. Beyond his quotes in the book, Mike provided powerful advice for my students, including the following.
• “It’s more fun creating success as a team than achieving it
on your own.”
• “Leadership should start with a foundation of trust and integrity; have fun, relax, and keep variety in your life; and be completely involved in whatever you do, at work and with your family.”
• “You can’t put a value on trust. It’s priceless.”
• “Instead of giving orders, ask questions.”
• “Adopt the approach used by Hall of Fame collegiate basketball coach, John Wooden: instead of focusing on winning, focus on performing each play to perfection.”
• “The most effective leaders are the ones who have an understanding of their priorities.”
• “Being on time is important.”
• “Use 20-second celebrations.”
• “Have one objective at a time.”
• “Business must have a purpose beyond profit.”
• “Limit meetings to 30 minutes.”
• “Put people first.”
• “Sometimes you have to stop the bus and let someone off the bus.”
• “Focus on the job you have, not the job you want.”
• “People who worry about the next job, don’t get the next job.”
• “I never saw past my boss’s job.”
• “I put all of my energy into doing my current job the best I could.”
• “Walk the walk and talk the talk.”
• “Evaluate effectiveness, not the number of hours worked.”
• “Ask your direct reports, ‘What’s holding us back?’”
• “It’s important to remember an organization is made up of imperfect people from the top to the bottom.”
• “Leaders look for ways to solve problems; others look for whom to blame for the problems.”
• “A leader needs to be humble and confident at the same time.”
• “It is a leader’s duty to exceed what is legal and do what is right.”
• “No one is perfect.”
• “Know your strengths and leverage them.”
• “The most effective leaders are the ones who have an understanding of their priorities.”
• “Use your strength first, then focus on your weakness.”
• “You can tell the quality of a person, not by statements made, but by questions asked.”
• “Be known for being transparent and trustworthy.”
• “Take ownership of a problems and avoid becoming a victim.”
• “Leaders should be curious.”
• “Answer the question, ‘Is the juice worth the squeeze?’”
