In the dynamic setting of the Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York City, Hans Vestberg, the Chairman and CEO of Verizon, transcended the conventional discussions surrounding effective leadership. Hailing from Hudiksvall, Sweden, Vestberg, a former standout in semi-professional team handball, not only recognizes his inherent leadership prowess but also emphasizes the ongoing dedication to honing these skills. The subsequent three key takeaways encapsulate Vestberg’s pragmatic insights shared during this event.
Take stock every day
At the core of Vestberg’s leadership philosophy lies the daily introspection of his mood, a ritual he observes each morning. Rating himself on a scale from one to ten, with the optimal range between three and seven, this reflective practice serves as a gauge for effectiveness. If the score indicates low efficacy, he takes corrective measures to boost his mood. Conversely, if the score exceeds eight, recognizing the potential to overwhelm others, he recalibrates to maintain a balanced energy level. Beyond mood monitoring, Vestberg meticulously tracks his daily time allocation, ensuring a dedicated focus on critical CEO responsibilities. This disciplined self-assessment approach, incorporating mood and time tracking since 2009, extends to data sharing with top executives, fostering a collective commitment to effective time management.
Have a “boss contract”
Vestberg recounts a pivotal experience from his early managerial tenure at Ericsson in Chile, where he proactively outlined five goals in a memo shared with his supervisor. This memo, akin to a “boss contract,” served as a tangible representation of the achievements and value he aimed to contribute. The proactive nature of goal setting garnered attention, reaching the headquarters in Stockholm and emphasizing the significance of setting clear expectations with superiors. Transitioning this practice into his role as CEO of Verizon, Vestberg adopted a similar proactive approach by presenting a comprehensive white paper outlining his vision to the board of directors. This deliberate act aligns with his belief in establishing expectations for performance assessment.
Talk to your key stakeholders every week
Maintaining a robust network of communication is paramount for Vestberg, who identifies 30 individuals in different roles within Verizon for weekly engagements. This list, affixed to the back of his security badge, serves as a tangible reminder of the criticality of regular communication. This intentional practice ensures continuous connectivity and furnishes invaluable insights into various organizational facets. Importantly, Vestberg underscores the value of these established relationships, ensuring that his engagement with key stakeholders is not solely reactive to challenges but constitutes an ongoing dialogue. This approach fosters a culture of open communication and proactive engagement, reinforcing the notion that leadership transcends mere directives, emphasizing sustained connection and understanding.
Hans Vestberg’s leadership insights extend beyond theoretical discussions, offering concrete and actionable tips for those aspiring to enhance their leadership capabilities. His emphasis on continuous self-reflection, proactive goal setting, and regular communication exemplifies a leadership approach grounded in practicality and a commitment to sustained improvement.
