Emphasizing Standards in Every Detail

Chris Turner’s diverse career ranges from leading Barack Obama’s presidential campaign to promoting female empowerment with the Nike Foundation. Currently serving as the Chief Executive of B Lab UK and Campaign Director for the Better Business Act, he advocates for business leaders to prioritize social and environmental considerations alongside profitability. Here are his key pieces of advice.

1. Don’t overlook your values. They significantly influence your leadership style and can inspire those around you. Have you articulated these values clearly and shared them with your team? If not, consider doing so.

2. Success is a collective journey. While we’ve often heard that success “has many fathers,” it is also an evolving concept. What success means may change over time, and it’s your responsibility to define and adapt it.

3. Always assume the role of the outsider. It’s essential to integrate external perspectives, maintain an open mindset, and question prevailing beliefs. A broader worldview enables you to tackle greater challenges and uncover new opportunities.

4. Embrace lifelong learning in leadership. Constant learning arises from experiences and interactions with others. The more you recognize this process and engage in self-reflection, the more effective your leadership will become.

5. Strive for clarity. To ensure everyone understands your strategies and decisions, communicate them in a straightforward manner. Simple and clear messaging is crucial for rallying people around both small and significant ideas.

6. Pay attention to small details. The quality of your standards is evident in every little aspect of your work. Be sure to exemplify these expectations in your actions, communication, and overall conduct.