I enjoyed meeting tonight Dr. Thomas David Zweifel, author, The Rabbi and the CEO, who spoke to the UJA-Federation Wall Street Division. He’s CEO of SwissConsultingGroup.com . Unfortunately, his coauthor, Rabbi Aaron Raskin, could not join us.
Following are my notes on his presentation.
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This crisis is also an opportunity: a new style/model of leadership.
I met Rabbi Raskin on 9/12/01. I was sitting grieving in NY, and he came up to me and asked, “Are you Jewish?” I said yes, and he offered me tefillin. I said, “I’ve never done it in my life, but I guess today is a day to do it.”
Exercise for the audience: “Think of 3 leaders that you know of that are the best leaders you have ever known.”
And followup, “Think of 3 worst leaders that you know of.”
From the audience: great leaders list include:
Obama, Gandhi, Socrates, Aristotle, Obama (based on hope), Abraham Lincoln, Mother Theresa, Steve Jobs, George Washington, Churchill, MLK, FDR, Golda Meir.
Criteria for great leader:
- Favoring community’s needs over self-interest
- Positive vision (defined as advancing human rights)
- Honest
- Humble
- Leading by example/good person
Criteria for bad leader:
- Kills significant number of own people
Story: a woman comes to Gandhi with her 8-year-old son. Her mom says to Gandhi, “Tell my son to stop eating sugar.”. Gandhi says, “Come back in 2 weeks.” She goes back and then returns. She says, “Tell my son to stop eating sugar.” He says, “Stop eating sugar.” She said: “Why 2 weeks wait??!!” Gandhi, “It took me 2 weeks to stop eating sugar.”
Some of these leaders would have difficulty today, in a multicultural global world.
Example: Churchill was asked by a minister, “Put your ear to the ground.” Churchill said, “I will not be found in that ungainly position.”
How do we get out of this crisis?
3000 years ago we got a system of ethical decision-making.
First Commandment says, “Remember G-d because he took you out of Egypt (literally from the straits.). Leave your comfort zone.
Maurice Greenberghad reputation for arrogance.
Once dressed a board member down publicly when the board member asked questions about their finances. Disconnect between mgmt. and employees caused a lot of problems.
Commandment 2: You shall have no idols.
Many of the most successful people did not target $ as their goal. (Oprah, Bill Gates.)
Good goal: do something unique .
Commandment 3: Don’t use the name of God in vain.
Lead with your language.
Commandment 4: Keep Shabbat.
Be willing to say no; that’s a hallmark of a leader.
Henny Youngman said he tried to be atheist, but gave up because they don’t have holidays.
Commandment 5: honor your father and mother.
If you can appreciate your parents you can appreciate almost anybody.
A lot of leaders use intimidation. Who you appreciate gives you power.
Commandment 6: Don’t kill.
Regulate/channel your anger.
Commandment 7: No adultery.
Lead by example.
Commandment 8: Don’t steal.
Give back to charity (e.g., UJA)
Make a pledge.
1987: Raul Julia jumps out of his chair and pledges large amount despite the fact that he said, “I have no job, no future , no movie.” He was giving from the future he envisioned himself to have.
Commandment 9: No false testimony. When the news is bad, give it.
Failed CEOs are surrounded by people who don’t tell them bad news. Warren Buffett said a CEO who lies in public will end up lying to himself in private.”
Look at your underlying goal: Pfizer’s cardiovascular drug had “big” side effect … which became Viagra. Go From breakdown to breakthrough.’
Commandment 10: Don’t covet your neighbor’s possessions.
Stand in the others’ shoes.
