Herb Kelleher was the founder and CEO of Southwest Airlines. When he died in 2019, the business world lost an icon, maverick, and people-focused leader. He was truly a people person. 

Kelleher believed, “The business of business is people.” He lived that philosophy in his daily actions as CEO. Southwest team members knew Herb Kelleher considered them Southwest Airline’s number one asset. Every decision, conversation, or action Kelleher considered kept people’s welfare at the top of the hierarchy.

There is nothing more important in an organization than people. And the privilege to lead people is certainly a premier calling.

Leaders possess the incredible opportunity to touch and transform people’s lives. “The growth and development of people,” wrote Dale Galloway, “is the highest calling of a leader.” Our highest honor is to continually look for the best in people and instigate and nurture their growth. 

One of my favorite scenes in the Academy Award-winning film “As Good As It Gets,” is when Carol (portrayed by actress Helen Hunt) becomes so infuriated with Melvin (portrayed by actor Jack Nicholson) that she gets up from the restaurant table and is ready to leave. Melvin looks at her quizzically and quite stunned. He doesn’t have a clue that he just insulted her with a flippant comment. He asks her to sit down; she obliges and responds, “Melvin, pay me a compliment. I need one and quick. You have no idea how much what you just said hurt my feelings.”

Melvin is paralyzed. He mutters something and Carol lets him know that it’s not even close to a compliment. She demands, “Now or never!” Melvin pauses for a moment, goes into a confusing description of his ailment, and then ends his disjointed comments with: “You make me want to be a better man.”

Shocked, Carol responds: “I think this is about the best compliment of my life.”

People are grateful for leaders who help them grow, develop, blossom. . . become better people.  That is why Herb Kelleher was such a popular, effective, results producing leader. Southwest team members always knew Kelleher had their future, best interests, and personal and professional growth at the top of his priority list. Leaders inspire people like the “Carols” of the world to become a better version of themselves.

In my heart, I am fervently convinced there is nothing more important as a leader than people. 

The way we see people. 

               The way we interact with people. 

                         The culture we build for people.

                                      The way we lead people. 

And, our attitude about people’s abilities, motivation, and potential.

As Walt Disney said, “You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world. . . but it requires people to make the dream a reality.” 

Leaders have the privilege of looking for lives to change, hearts to encourage, and minds to stimulate so they can make dreams a reality.

Questions to Ponder:

Who can I inspire to become a better version of themselves?

Who needs a compliment from me?

How can I encourage someone today?

Glenn Van Ekeren’s latest book: “Leadership Matters...Make Where You Work a Place People Love to Be,” is available on Amazon.com.