I COACH EXECUTIVES, so I study leaders (present and past), learning about human nature, business acumen, and the choices people make to lead their lives, which includes their work.

I see crucial business choices and principles succeeding – trust – self-trust – empathy – accountability.

– Trust in the people you work with, their skills, and life experiences.

– Self-trust that you follow your instincts and try new things.

– Empathy – respect and caring about others.

– Accountability – taking responsibility for your choices, and that means not just successes but failures.

One standout is James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble Bookstores, who saved the failing company, which is now flourishing and predicted to sell 20 million books by the end of 2023 and plans for new store openings.

Trust and freedom are his successful business choices – trusting his workers and allowing them power and freedom to find direction for their stores.

These are wise words from James Daunt:

“Identify people who have ambition, who have talent, and who are prepared to work hard…It’s them doing the pushing, not me. I’m just not standing in the way… think about your customers, think about your books, and learn from each other…try and think it through yourselves and do it on the basis of principles rather than on the basis of rules…You have to be very tolerant of failure. Stuff happens in all our lives. We have to be very human about that… I don’t want people waking up at three in the morning. I want them sleeping the sleep of the just and waking up fresh and ready to go the next day.”

This is exciting to read. I celebrate the goodwill, determination and fearlessness of James Daunt.

How do his words inspire you in your life and your work?

Thanks – Michael (he, him)

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I like this for you too – Your Trust List.

#1421 (photo – The Wall Street Journal)