Sunday Snippet: Counselors & Leadership!

Being a strong leader is much like being a good camp counselor – it is hard work, but it is also exceptionally satisfying making a difference in the lives of others! If you or someone  you know is looking for a great summer job, working at WeHaKee provides an exceptional and comprehensive experience!  

Click HERE for information about great summer jobs at WeHaKee

As CEO and Chairman of the Board of worldwide medical distributor Henry Schein, Stanley Bergman knows a bit about leadership and what makes a leader great.  He recently shared his perspectitives leadership and specifically noted the value of his experience as a camp counselor in helping him acquire and enhance his leadership abilities – Why Camp Counselors Make Great Leaders.

The leadership lessons that I learned
as a camp counselor can be summed up
by the African proverb:
“If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together.” 
Stanley Bergman, CEO, Henry Schein

Here are some of his thoughts:

• Be flexible, nimble and innovative: Like a counselor facing a bunk full of restless campers when the rain won’t let up, leaders must be flexible, nimble and innovative. Since change is the only constant, leaders must fully embrace the challenge of changing conditions, they must always look for new avenues for success, and they must be nimble enough to do what is necessary to engage the restless camper.
• Get everyone on the field: Great leaders are inclusive. They recognize the strengths and talents of each individual, and they encourage passionate participation to drive collective success. Being a good leader is not just about telling people what to do. It is about rallying the team to understand and believe your company’s goals and culture, and to feel a personal stake in the team’s overall success. Likewise, a deep appreciation for a diversity of perspectives provides any leader with a rich tapestry of experience to draw upon.
• Be a coach, facilitator and mentor: Team members look to great leaders for guidance and encouragement. Always take advantage of opportunities to share your knowledge with others.
• Tolerate reasonable risk and teach how to fail successfully: As the great basketball player, Michael Jordan, once said, “I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” Great leaders have a tolerance for reasonable risk-taking, and accept occasional failure as a learning opportunity. You can’t learn to swim without diving in.
• Celebrate achievement: At Henry Schein, we firmly believe that, much like a great camp counselor, leaders know that celebrating success is important. We recognize exceptional work, which inspires each of us to think creatively about new ways we can help achieve our company’s goals. It also reminds us that we are all part of an extraordinary team of talented individuals, and that each of us adds a unique and valuable color to our collective picture of success.

Thanks for reading and have a great week everyone!