At a recent meeting of the Building Champions coaches, we were reflecting on things from our past that made us better.
My mind went to something I had never shared with anyone before, about a huge mistake I made that thankfully had a long-term positive impact on me. I was a sophomore in my first high school football game. I can still remember that moment when the coach looked at me. Since then I have always tried to be ready and keep my head up.
The success of a team can depend on many things, but certainly a leader’s attitude, energy, and confidence makes a huge difference. This can be referred to as “mojo” – that certain charm or personal magnetism that makes people and teams more successful.
One gifted leader I know recently referred to that intangible quality in an insightful communication to managers, which said in part:* (more…)
In life, there will be setbacks, maybe even huge ones that dash our hopes and derail our plans. They cause us to question what’s wrong with us. Thoughts like, “Why me?” and “Poor me!” can overwhelm us.
It’s natural to feel this way once in a while, but how we deal with that adversity can make a huge difference in our lives. If we look around us, we will find people who have overcome great obstacles. They can become role models in challenging times.
Jerry Baker began his career in the management development program at Ford Motor Company, later became a manager of budgets and analysis for Northrop Corporation, then furthered his management development as Deputy Director for the California Department of Commerce when Ronald Reagan was Governor.
He advanced through senior management ranks at Countrywide Financial, becoming Managing Director. He then became Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fleet Mortgage Group, a public company. Jerry joined First Horizon in 1998, holding several senior executive positions before becoming President and CEO of First Horizon National Corporation and First Tennessee Bank.
As a member of the Board of Directors Jerry helped to refocus, develop, recruit and lead the company through a tumultuous period. Under his leadership the company had nearly 10 years of double digit growth in returns.