Steady Leadership in Uncertain Times

As our nation’s workforce struggles into its new normal, it is easy to believe there are more questions than answers on the horizon. Is the office truly necessary for productivity? Do we need to build a new system for getting work done? If so, do we implement the changes all at once, or do we transition slowly? How do we effectively lead our teams when their workdays are staggered or completed remotely? Never before has the Silicon Valley idiom, “building the plane while flying it,” made more sense. But do we really need to know all the answers to be able to lead well? History says No.

Known as our nation’s first oil tycoon, John D. Rockefeller is believed to be the wealthiest American in history. To the casual observer, his career appears to be a steady line of easy victories. The reality, however, was much different. From his birth into poverty to his meteoric rise to oil magnate, Rockefeller navigated the uncertain future of the fledgling oil industry, a national economic crisis, a six-year recession, an industry-wide strike and a domestic oil shortage—all while continuing to attract new talent and steadily grow his company. How did he chart his path through all the uncertainty? A careful look at his leadership style reveals three important habits.

• He Was Persistent. Rockefeller was determined from an early age to succeed in business. He dropped out of school at age 16 and moved to the city to find employment that would both secure his future and allow him to help support his mother and siblings. Compiling a list of banks, merchants and railroads with the highest credit ratings, he dressed each morning in his only suit, shined his only pair of shoes, and methodically made his way down his list, asking to speak with the head manager. He was rejected, often without gaining an audience with anyone in upper management. Rockefeller, however, was undaunted. When he’d visited every business on his list, he simply started over at the top, visiting many establishments twice and even three times. He did this six days a week, for six weeks, until his persistence was rewarded on September 26, 1855, when he was hired by Hewitt & Tuttle as an assistant bookkeeper. For the rest of his life, Rockefeller celebrated this date as “Job Day,” a celebration more important to him than his own birthday, as it reminded him of the importance of persistence.
  
  
• He Was Detail Oriented. Rockefeller often quoted a motto instilled into him by his mother, “Willful waste makes woeful want,” and he developed the habit of frequently checking to ensure his refinery used efficient practices. During a visit one day, Rockefeller noted that 40 drops of solder were used to seal each can of kerosene for transport. He tested whether a can could be sealed with 38 drops and found that some leaked. However, cans sealed with 39 drops were sealed completely with no leaking. Reducing each solder by this single drop saved his company $2,500 the first year, alone, and many hundreds of thousands of dollars as his company grew.
  ​
  
• He Was Balanced. Rockefeller followed a strict schedule, beginning and ending each work day at a reasonable time, and marking breaks on his daily calendar as appointments. He moved through his day in blocks, concentrating fully on the project before him for the determined amount of time, then taking a short break to clear his mind. Leading by example, he encouraged his employees to approach their work days in the same fashion, believing a rested mind is more productive. When asked about this unconventional approach, Rockefeller said, “It is remarkable how much we could all do if we avoid hustling, go along at an even pace, and keep from attempting too much.” Have you done any sympathetic listening with your employees lately to learn how they are handling the pressure?
  
  Without question, we are leading our teams through an unprecedented time. With so many uncertainties ahead, it is more important than ever to rely on strong leadership principles. John Rockefeller understood the importance of never giving up, of paying close attention, and of guarding himself and his employees against burnout. He knew that uncertain times call for steady leadership, and we can follow his example as we move forward into our new normal.

Join the Conversation!
John Rockefeller knew that strong leadership was important during uncertain times. How do you think we, as leaders, need to support our teams as our country reopens? What changes or difficulties do you anticipate? We would love to learn some approaches you have taken with your organization that made a difference.