The Business Lessons That Matter Most

When I started at HP 33 years ago, the first product I ever worked on was a pen plotter: a sort of computer-controlled robotic arm that could write or draw with amazing precision. At the time, it was a marvel of engineering—a masterpiece at the bleeding edge of innovation in the industry. The second product I worked on was the first ink jet printer—a product that instantly made the pen plotter obsolete.

That was a formative experience for me, for a couple of reasons. The first was that I learned to never rest on your laurels, or be content with the status quo, but to search—always—for the next opportunity. But it also showed, in a powerful way, that it’s not the job of business leaders to predict the future. Nobody can do that: neither the CEO of a global company nor the small business owner up the street. Our job is to prepare our organizations for whatever lies ahead, adapt to changes along the way, and embrace new opportunities wherever and whenever they arise.

We must never forget that, particularly during volatile times like the ones we’re leading through today. In our daily news feeds, and in our everyday lives, we are all tuned into the economic uncertainties many people are feeling. So, I’ve been reflecting on how I—and all of us at HP—have navigated the twists and turns of the market over the years. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.

First, it’s all about people. One of the lessons all of us have learned again and again is the importance of personal connection, and that’s particularly true for leaders. In times of change and disruption—and especially in a time when more people will continue working remotely more often—it’s important for leaders to stay close to our teams, nurture relationships with individuals, and make sure we are accessible, open, and transparent about our expectations and plans for the future. More important than any product to a company’s success is the commitment of its people and the strength of its team. That’s why tending to the well-being and bonds of our team members is one of our most important responsibilities as business leaders, colleagues, and friends.

Second, keep your eye on the ball. No matter whether we’re experiencing a bull market or a bear market, one leadership principle always holds true: stay focused on the fundamentals. To me, that means running our businesses efficiently and effectively, holding ourselves and one another accountable, continuously innovating in search of better ways to do things, and always staying true to our values. Operational excellence, seamless execution, and financial rigor are cornerstones of any successful company. So, too, are integrity, values, and making a positive impact on the communities we serve. And I have always subscribed to the belief that leadership is as much about character as it is about results.

Third, seize the day. Whatever near-term challenges are on the horizon, we must never lose our sense of optimism about the future. Don’t let yourself get distracted by every negative headline. Instead, look for the opportunities to innovate, transform, and grow. They may be hidden. They may take some work and creativity to tease out. But they are always there, just waiting to be found. It’s up to us, as business leaders, to inspire those around us to find them so that we can create better experiences for our customers, strengthen our companies for the future, and make a sustainable impact on the world.

Nothing is guaranteed in business or in life, but I believe that if we can find ways to stay connected to our employees, customers, and partners; stay focused on our priorities; and stay optimistic that our future will be even brighter than our past, we will better position our companies to chart a course through any choppy waters and emerge stronger and more successful in the future.

What are some of the principles that have helped you successfully chart your course? I’d love to hear from you.

Saludos,

Enrique?