As we move into week two of this month on focus, I am reminded of John Maxwell’s Law of the Inner Circle (21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership), which essentially says that because no one person is strong in every quality, characteristic, behavior, or skill, we need an inner circle — people around us who are strong in areas where we are not. Strong, confident, self-aware leaders realize this and know it to be true.
I know this to be true. As an example, I am a strategist. I see the big picture. I thrive on concept development and deep discussions around ideas and problem solving. I can deal with the details, and have spent a considerable number of years doing exactly that, and quite well, but it’s a huge energy drain for me, and quite tedious. Not the best use of my time, energy, or talents. I have a number of skills and talents, and a number of other areas where I’m not the best. The good news is, I recognize this about myself. So, as I build my team, I will be wise to include someone who loves the administrative stuff, who thrives on dealing with the details, among other things.
This was also true of Anne Mulcahy, former Chairperson and CEO of Xerox Corporation. When she was appointed to the top position, a promotion she wasn’t looking for, Forbes Magazine dubbed her “The Accidental CEO.” While she was in an unexpected position, she was not unintentional about how she handled her new-found responsibility.
And a heavy load it was. At the time, Xerox was $18 Billion in debt and under SEC investigation for accounting fraud. Mulcahy knew she had to turn the company around, and to do this she — and her inner circle — would have to be bold and dauntless. Knowing her strengths and weaknesses, she was smart in surrounding herself with outstanding leaders in their areas of discipline, especially in finance and accounting. She expected them to challenge her instincts, to be transparent and blunt about what they found, and they delivered.
During this trying time, Mulcahy put the company through rigorous financial changes, including massive lay-offs (more than 25,000 jobs!), shutting down unprofitable divisions, and even relocated executives to less extravagant offices. All the while, she had her eye on growth, continuing to fully support Xerox’s Research and Development team because she knew the company would required new products to stay afloat.
You could say, Anne Mulcahy had crystal clear focus on where she was taking the company and what was required to get there, and she did this with the support of a strong inner circle. As a leader, you will also need the vision, insight, different perspectives, and support of others.
Who is in your corner and on your team — part of your Inner Circle, if you will — who helps you in your current role?
What skills do you have and what tools do you use to help you stay focused in your job?
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