"Referring to his own success as an entrepreneur, Perot told his luncheon audience, “If you want to build a successful company, you treat people with dignity and respect.
“The principles of leadership never change,” he continued. “The people you work with have to trust you, and you have to earn that trust. You never break a promise and you have to help your people to prosper, just as you want to prosper.”
“All that means,” he emphasized, is “you do unto others as you would have them do to you.”
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"Among the rules he has followed and rules he recommended to the students were the following:
.....Never misuse power; it leads to rebellion. .....A leader must provide direction for his followers. .....Don’t ask if something is legal or illegal; ask if it is right or wrong. .....Encourage competition among workers and have no tolerance for an employee who is not committed to the task. .....Take care of your troops; that is, your employees. .....Never punish a worker for an honest mistake. .....Every part of an organization is equally important .....Lead your employees and not manage. “You manage inventory; you lead people.” .....A united team is essential to success. .....Show by your actions that you care for your employees."
It really is a shame that Thames won't abide by those words. Mr. Perot is correct, that is how successful people do things.
I have to wonder how different USM would be today if Mr. Thames had done those things that Mr. Perot spoke of, treating others with respect, leading and not being punitive if you disagreed..................................... Just some musings on this lovely Friday.