This blog addresses leadership by example, the most powerful influence on leadership beliefs and actions. 

In preparation for the following interview, Steven J. Manning (no relation to George Manning) reflected on the mentors in his life and what they taught him.  These were people even more remarkable as people than teachers.  First and foremost were the amazing parents he was blessed to have. Then, a mentor and guiding light, John Barrowcliff, entered his life when he achieved some success in business.

Steven's family came to the United States as refugees from Hungary after World War II.  He is a first-generation Hungarian American who proclaims his staunch Americanism.  He has lived a full and happy life as a son, husband, father, and highly accomplished businessman. Steven has 'seen the world' and 'learned a ton' about life and leadership. In this interview, he shares his thoughts about leadership and lessons learned from his father, mother, and most important business mentor.

As the interview progresses, think about the significant people who have shaped your life by their words and ways. 

WHO WERE YOUR MENTORS?

My Father

He was a moral rock, a man of genuine convictions. To this day, I believe he is the only person I have ever met who never experienced a moment of moral ambiguity, never had a moment of doubt about his convictions, and was never situationally ethical. He was an outspoken and indefatigable reactionary, for which he paid an extraordinary price.  He was a righteous and virtuous man. Also, he was a phenomenally skilled and armed intellectual snob. I grew up with his large arms wrapped around me in both ways: physically and emotionally. He was one of those people—you met him, you loved him (or really not), right away. You never, however, ignored or failed to appreciate him. He touched you in three ways: physically, intellectually, and, if you had a soul, emotionally. I learned so much about leadership and codes of conduct from that immense man, literally from my cradle to death, his.  I celebrate his history with the dignity with which he lived.

My Mother

My mother was beautiful -- elegant in body and soul.  She was an Auschwitz survivor with immense strength, resilience, and generosity in kindness and spirit. She was subtle, refined, and unwaveringly devoted to her family and causes. She was an amazing mate and partner to my immensely difficult father. A lifelong learner, patient teacher, and social magnet, she never raised her voice but delivered impactful slaps, shaping her son with love and discipline. I speculate, to this day, she occasionally wags her finger from her grave, opportunely to be sure, and softly exclaims: “All that time and energy I invested trying to raise you to be a gentleman . . . . !” She taught me a lifelong yearning to learn, the love of classical music, world-class tennis, and several languages. And, certainly, how to appreciate and respect the women in my life.  A paragon of grace. Still.

Big John B.

John Barrowcliff was a mountain of a man, member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, and learned leadership at one of the largest tire manufacturers in the world. As a business leader, the example he set for living and working has guided me all of my adult life. John was as much at ease talking from the pulpit of his church on Sundays as he was merciless in kicking your behind if you underperformed. For a couple of years after his retirement, I drove two and a half hours on many Sundays to the town where he lived, bringing bagels from the Bagel Factory, picked up at five o'clock in the morning. Those mornings allowed his gentle baritone to lead me into his immense wisdom. I enjoyed bagels, cream cheese, and nourishment for my psyche for an hour or two until he left to take the pulpit at his church.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOUR MENTORS TEACH?

A select few leadership imperatives from my mentors are:

My Father…

  • The “Zebra Paradigm.” The most elegant leadership quality is to be a thought leader—teaching what to think and even more sophisticated, how to think. A great leader can motivate others to consider that a zebra has white stripes, despite all scientific evidence to the contrary.
  • Have moral conviction and courage. Always stay firm in beliefs, oppose situational ethics and immoral regimes. Learn and teach the value of unwavering principles.
  • Leadership. Command respect and action in crises, being decisive in solving problems on the firing line.
  • Have compassion, humility, and generosity. Show empathy and courage in selfless acts for others. Inspire selfless acts in those around you.
  • Live a life of virtue and honor. Leave a lasting impact despite conflicts that may overwhelm others. Strive for virtue and honor one’s roots.

My Mother…

  • Be resilient and have strength of spirit. Endure even the most unimaginable hardships with perseverance. Process shortcomings gracefully while cultivating inner fortitude.
  • Have empathy and compassion for others. Forge deep emotional connections, encouraging understanding. Inspire selfless acts in others.
  • Use emotional and social Intelligence. Good communication is required when dealing with people.
  • Live a committed life. Dedication to work and family over time teaches devotion—a most contagious leadership trait.
  • Show humility. Be modest as a leadership imperative.
  • Love always. Prioritize love and renewal after suffering and tragedies in life.

Big John B….

John taught, “This evening, after dinner, be sure to take out the garbage. It will give you a better perspective of your relevance.”  He said,  "Know to a certainty who you are and what you represent. Be honest, consistent, and true to your beliefs. Remember, your actions are who you are." 

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT LEADERSHIP?

My formula for leadership success defies a universal definition. It is always defined both qualitatively and quantitatively, unique to individuals, people, groups of people, and populations. Definitions of success differ widely based on societal factors -- station in life, ethnicity, economics, geopolitics, stage in life, and more. The accumulation of wealth, professional achievement beyond one’s roots and upbringing, social position and education, and meaningful accomplishments are at the top of most people’s list.  But . . . I'm reminded that for billions of people, success is having food and shelter—or mere survival. The closest I can get to defining success—admittedly rather pedestrian—is having options in life: the ability to seek and find satisfaction in life in ways that I value and that I am able to pursue, not at the expense of others.  To that end, I recommend:

  • Adopt and leverage the single most important word in life and business: say YES, when others say NO.
  • Never consider failure as an option.
  • Do your homework. Exhaustive homework. Become a shameless researcher.
  • Out-think and out-work everybody else. 
    * Count your blessings.

EXERCISE — The Role of Heroes

  1. Consider alone or in group discussion — who were the most important mentors in your life and what did they teach you?
  2. Consider the 'Cowboy Codes' below and pick the top 10 principles or practices that guide you.
  3. Whose beliefs and actions are you shaping, and what are you teaching by your personal code of conduct?

MBO (management by objectives) is important, but MBV (management by values) is essential for leadership success. Radio, TV, and movies have had enormous influence in shaping America's leadership.  See the 'Codes of the Cowboy' below. 

Nat Love, a black cowboy known as Deadwood Dick, summed up the Cowboy Code this way: "There a man's work was to be done, and a man's life to be lived, and when death was to be met, he met it like a man." Many people grew up absorbing the Code of the West from our matinee cowboys, such as Gene Autry, Hopalong Cassidy, the Lone Ranger, and Tom Mix. Sometimes, they even spelled it out for us with codes, creeds, oaths, pledges, prayers, and rules.

Gene Autry's Cowboy Code of Honor

  1. A cowboy never takes unfair advantage -- even of an enemy.
  2. A cowboy never betrays a trust. He never goes back on his word.
  3. A cowboy always tells the truth.
  4. A cowboy is kind and gentle to small children, old folks, and animals.
  5. A cowboy is free from racial and religious intolerances.
  6. A cowboy is always helpful when someone is in trouble.
  7. A cowboy is always a good worker.
  8. A cowboy respects womanhood, his parents, and his nation's laws.
  9. A cowboy is clean about his person in thought, word, and deed.
  10. A cowboy is a Patriot.

Hopalong Cassidy's Creed for American Boys and Girls

  1. The highest badge of honor a person can wear is honesty. Be truthful at all times.
  2. Your parents are the best friends you have. Listen to them and obey their instructions.
  3. If you want to be respected, you must respect others. Show good manners in every way.
  4. Only through hard work and study can you succeed. Don't be lazy.
  5. Your good deeds always come to light. So don't boast or be a show-off.
  6. If you waste time or money today, you will regret it tomorrow. Practice thrift in all ways.
  7. Many animals are good and loyal companions. Be friendly and kind to them.
  8. A strong, healthy body is a precious gift. Be neat and clean.
  9. Our country's laws are made for your protection. Observe them carefully.
  10. Children in many foreign lands are less fortunate than you. Be glad and proud you are an American.

The Lone Ranger Creed

  1. I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one.
  2. That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world.
  3. That God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself.
  4. In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right.
  5. That a man should make the most of what equipment he has.
  6. That "this government, of the people, by the people, and for the people," shall live always.
  7. That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.
  8. That sooner or later...somewhere...somehow...we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken.
  9. That all things change, but the truth, and the truth alone lives on forever.
  10. I believe in my Creator, my country, my fellow man.

The Ralston Straight Shooters Pledge of Allegiance of Tom Mix

The "Straight Shooter's Secret Manual" has the Straight Shooters' Pledge and a note from Tom:

"All Straight Shooters take this Pledge of Allegiance. Read the Pledge carefully so you fully understand it. Then take the Pledge by reading it aloud in the presence of your father or mother. Finally, sign it in the space provided.”

As a loyal American and faithful follower of Tom Mix, I pledge allegiance to his Ralston Straight Shooters of America and promise to obey, to the best of my ability, the following rules:

  1. I promise to shoot straight with my parents by obeying my father and mother, and by eating the food they want me to eat.
  2. I promise to shoot straight with my friends by telling the truth always, by being fair and square in work or play, by trying always to win, and by being a good loser if I lose.
  3. I promise to shoot straight with myself, by striving to always be at my best, by keeping my mind alert and my body strong and healthy.
  4. I promise to shoot straight with Tom Mix by regularly eating Ralston, Official Straight Shooters' Cereal, because I know Ralston is just the kind of cereal that will help build a stronger America.
  5. I have taken the Straight Shooters' Pledge of America

Sign your name here ________________________________________