People Make the Difference

   This week we learned that we need to have ethical people in our business organization and that it is the people that make the difference between good and great companies. Frank Levinson, founder of Finisar,  said that the personalities of team members are "vital to success." He explained that unethical people cause "stress, tension, and ultimately division" within a company.  Jim Collins,in his book, Good to Great  listed characteristics of great leaders. This list included  hiring the right people, and being humble, but passionate. These traits are essential to have in a leader in order to make a company great.
     Since every great company needs a great leader, Jim Ritchie, in his Launching Leaders presentation, discussed some example of great leaders. All of these leaders have common character traits. The most prominent character trait  is the resolve and courage to stand firm on principles. Some of the examples he mentioned were Nelson Mandela, Joan of Arc, Mother Theresa, Margaret Thatcher, and many others. These leaders all had the ability and resilience to bring others to higher ground.  They were willing to sacrifice for  a greater cause.  Ritchie concludes that  great leaders
 "cause things to happen."
   When I start my business, I will want to hire ethical people who have the potential to grow into great leaders and who can make a difference in the world. I want to be the type of leader who makes a difference and causes good things to happen.