Last week I wrote about doing the right thing in compensation and a couple of days ago I wrote about the importance of likability, which is directly dependent on MAP.

Every time I write about how a CEO should be, I get queries asking for a specific role model who fits my definitions, really practices what he preaches and is high profile. To quote one caller, “I can see doing it when you run a small company, but I don’t see doing it when you’re playing with the big boys.”

My answer is Harry Kraemer, ex CEO of Baxter Labs.

The reasons for my citing him are well summed up in a January 7 profile (to read the profile, because of Chicago Tribune policy, please click the seventh link listed when you follow the “additional articles” link, it’s worth it!), or any of many additional articles.

In this profile he says, “I took the view that I’m going to do the best job I can and if they don’t like it, I’ll go work someplace else. The day you can’t walk away, you’ve given yourself to the company.”

That’s a sentiment I’ve heard again and again from the best executives, managers, and workers I’ve known over many years. None are big spenders and they all have a financial plan that allows them to walk instead of selling themselves.

So, go for it. Harry Kraemer would be the first person to tell you that with effort and planning you can do it.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 18th, 2007 at 2:16 pm and is filed under Business info, Leadership. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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