May the 4th be with You: Leadership Lessons from Yoda
YODA
“Do or do not, there is no try!”
I had no intentions of leaving Cameron International in late 2015 after the announcement of the future purchase by Schlumberger. In fact, the idea of optimizing global logistics for Cameron and Schlumberger combined was quite thrilling. Our LEXIM (Logistics Export and Import Management) team had incredible momentum and it seemed the timing was perfect to add the giant oil and gas leader Schlumberger to the mix. Unfortunately, at the same time, the price of oil was dropping dramatically, and this strategic purchase for Schlumberger became an opportunity to right size to the current demand and we understood the potential ramifications.
Oil Price $$$
Out of our control
As one door seemingly closes, another always opens and in early 2016, I had found another tremendous opportunity. Upon my departure from Cameron, my direct manager, the Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, Dan Chapman, my peer, the Director of Global Compliance and Project Logistics, Chad Johnson, and my wonderful team gifted me a beautiful clock plaque with one of my favorite sayings engraved on the front; “Do or do not, there is no try.” These words came from Yoda, the great Jedi Warrior character from the movies Star Wars. I had fully embraced the saying into my own leadership style always challenging others to achieve results and not merely try, being careful not to confuse activity for accomplishment.
Do!
There is no Try!
In honor of this May 4th, (May the 4th be with you, now best known as Star Wars Day), I wanted to share a few other fantastic leadership lessons from the great Jedi Warrior, some of which are very timely given today’s global environment.
“Fear is the path to the dark side.”
“Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering”
“Named must your fear be before banish it you can”
A leader must demonstrate mental strength and understand fear always leads to trouble. A leader must be careful to teach the importance of not letting one’s mind accept fear.
“Always in motion is the future”
Be mindful of the present. If you thought you had an idea of the future in 2020 when creating your annual plans just a few months ago, you now fully understand the meaning behind this lesson. While strategic planning is essential, it is equally important to be present, pivoting as needed to maintain progress on the vision.
“Mind what you have learned, save you it can”
Be a great servant leader always sharing and teaching others to become better than they thought possible. Join your team in the battle for the mission, serving side-by-side. Great leaders understand improvement must always continue, even in your legacy.
“May the Force be with You” Always!
Never Give Up and Never Settle for Mediocrity!