Jerre Stead's Faith-Driven Approach to Leadership and Organizational Success

In the "To Be and Do" podcast, host Philip Amerson delves into an enlightening conversation with Jerre Stead, a remarkable leader known for his extensive experience with corporate boards and transformative leadership in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Stead, a seasoned CEO who has led ten public companies over 47 years, shares profound insights into effective leadership, goal setting, and the importance of fostering a respectful and engaging work culture.

Key Takeaway 1: The Power of Setting Aggressive, Measurable Goals

Jerre Stead emphasizes the importance of reaching into the future to set ambitious goals. He highlights his belief in "stretching the rubber band of change" to discover the true potential of an organization. Stead illustrates this with his experience at NCR, where he led a team of 120,000 people worldwide by setting aggressive targets. He believes that such goals should be actionable and measurable, allowing each team member to understand their role in achieving them. Stead's strategy involves working backwards from long-term objectives to create short-term, manageable goals. His approach encourages accountability and empowers individuals by providing them with clear, measurable targets.

Key Takeaway 2: Treating Everyone with Equal Dignity and Respect

Another cornerstone of Stead's leadership philosophy is treating every person with equal dignity and respect. This principle, rooted in faith-based values like the Golden Rule, serves as the foundation for a healthy organizational culture. Stead passionately argues against hierarchical perks that create divisions within a team, advocating instead for a culture of shared respect and mutual trust. He believes that by eliminating unnecessary perks and emphasizing equality, organizations can break down the barriers of bureaucracy and enhance collaboration among team members.

Key Takeaway 3: The Three P's: Power, Permission, and Protection

Stead introduces the concept of the three P's: power, permission, and protection, as critical elements for empowering team members. He asserts that each individual should be given the authority and freedom to achieve their goals without the fear of unnecessary reprimand. By fostering an environment where employees feel protected and supported, Stead argues that leaders can unlock their team's full potential. He recounts his experience at Square D, where he literally burned outdated policies in the parking lot to symbolize a shift towards a culture of empowerment. This dramatic gesture underscored his commitment to transforming policies into tools that support rather than hinder individual and organizational success.

In conclusion, Jerre Stead's approach to leadership is a masterclass in building effective and engaged teams. His focus on aggressive goal-setting, respect, trust, and empowerment offers valuable lessons for leaders in any field. As Stead's conversation with Philip Amerson illustrates, these principles are not just abstract ideas but actionable strategies that can drive transformative change in organizations. Whether you're leading a Fortune 500 company or a small nonprofit, embracing these leadership philosophies can help you create a more vibrant and successful organization. Tune in to this episode for a deeper dive into Jerre Stead's leadership insights and inspiration for your own leadership journey.