?? Leadership reflections from a former CEO - Does your TALK match your WALK? ??

As a former CEO and chairman, leading organizations with nearly 2000 employees, I've always believed in the power of open dialogue. My philosophy? #OpenDoorPolicy. Whether it's with employees, customers, or partners, I made it a point to be accessible.

In my experience, top executives in both private and public organizations must prioritize direct communication. #Leadership is not about sitting behind closed doors. It's about being on the frontlines, engaging with those who are the backbone of your company.

I personally replied to all emails and was always ready to listen to my team. This approach not only built #Trust and #Transparency but also allowed me to stay grounded and connected to the real issues and innovative ideas within the organization.

Recently, I learned about an incident that struck a chord with me. An employee reached out directly to their chief executive, requesting a meeting for an external partner. Instead of a personal response, the message was simply cascaded down the corporate ladder. This, in my view, is a missed opportunity for genuine leadership. #Engagement is key.

Leaders who isolate themselves, creating a barrier with their staff, miss out on these valuable insights. #EffectiveLeadership is about influence and inspiration, and this is hard to achieve without a real understanding of your team's and customers' needs.

In my last lecture on Monday to engineering students, I emphasized this very point: leaders must #WalkTheTalk. Unfortunately, too many chief executives hide behind closed doors, claiming the responsibilities of leading a major institution as an excuse for not being available for direct communication with employees, customers, or other stakeholders. What a shame!

As organizations grow, it's challenging to maintain this level of direct interaction, but it's not impossible. Developing a leadership culture that values open communication at all levels is key. #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamEngagement

In closing, my message to fellow leaders is simple: Be accessible, be responsive, and most importantly, be human. Your team and your customers will value you for it. #LeadershipMatters #BusinessGrowth #Innovation