Mark Zuckerberg Gets Even Bolder In Leadership
Having recently written a blog about bold leadership, Fast Company did me a favor by publishing an excellent article about Mark Zuckerberg and the future of Facebook that really highlights what makes the company – and its leader – so exceptional. Mark Zuckerberg provides a clear demonstration of bold leadership. And then he announces his 2-month paternity leave in advance, which we all know is going to FINALLY help pave the way of what should have been in place all along. Mark’s boldness deserves our attention.
- Be hands-on. Zuckerberg is still as hands-on as ever; he is OUT in his business. In fact, he was late for his appointment for the Fast Company interview because he was “fixing” something.
- Communicate a clear vision. Zuckerberg has – and shares – broad but clear visions for his company’s future, which include giving his attention to AI and Oculus VR, as well as bringing the internet to the billions who still do not have it. Everything Zuckerberg focuses on is “deeply related to his company’s central vision.”
- Envision the future but take action now. Zuckerberg starts with the long-term view, then breaks it down into actionable items that can be done this week, this month, and this year to achieve those goals, so that the company and his team are always moving forward but are always focused on the end result.
- Create a culture that people are drawn to. Zuckerberg attracts the talented people he needs and wants by treating them with respect, allowing them to hold the reigns, and offering them the flexibility they need to feel they can give him what he needs. For example, he wanted to hire Yann LeCun to run his AI division, but LeCun did not want to leave NYU. So Zuckerberg “offered to let LeCun set up Facebook AI Research’s headquarters in Manhattan and retain his professorship on the side. LeCun came aboard. Problem solved.”
- Take a strong stand on the woman agenda. Zuckerberg has placed women (Sheryl Sandberg, Lori Goler) in senior management, bucking the tech-industry trend.
- Never stop growing. Zuckerberg is dedicated to continually improving himself, his knowledge, and his ability to lead … and has created a culture in which everyone else has the same drive to learn more, be the best, and contribute.
- Extend your paid leaves now. That’s right, not only should you get your paternity leave up to date, but you should extend your maternity leaves and consider them with full pay. Why not be bold and be an early adopter?
Zuckerberg is praised for “his inquisitiveness, persistence, ability to deploy resources and devotion to improving Facebook and himself. He has a knack for carving up grand plans into small, doable victories.” You don’t have to be Mark Zuckerberg to be a bold leader, but you can learn from his approach to leading and take bolder steps in your own company.
Image credit: Guillaume Paumier, CC-BY.
As the CEO & Founder of East Tenth Group, Michelle leverages 25 years of business and experience as a strategic advisor and executive coach to help drive actionable people solutions and provide practical insights on business strategy to senior leaders. she and her team and are fiercely committed to the development and growth of people and companies because we believe that when people thrive, business thrives.
