Thaddeus Arroyo is CEO of AT&T Business Solutions & International, which serves nearly 3.5 million business customers around the world. In his previous role as CEO of AT&T in Mexico, the company was recognized as a Great Place to Work® for women, millennials and IT professionals in Mexico.
We are living in a world of constant change and competing priorities; at times, it may even feel like we are facing an uphill battle. It is easy to give in to pessimistic attitudes driven by cynicism and negativity.
I’m here to tell you we can’t afford to lose sight of the great opportunities ahead of us. In our roles as leaders—regardless of our individual industries—we all have a responsibility to foster strong and successful teams. And we need to lead by example.
At AT&T, part of our mission is to deliver the future first—and I recognize my role in creating a positive working environment where innovation and collaboration can thrive.
Here are three principles that are foundational to my leadership style in striving to create the best place for everyone in our organization to work.
1.Embrace the art of the possible.
The art of the possible is a conscious effort to never limit your opportunities based on self-imposed misperceptions or barriers that can ultimately be overcome.
- Do not let insecurities or fears hold you back.
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Do not create artificial limits on what is possible. Every day brings new opportunities.
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Encourage your teams to take risks and step into uncomfortable positions. This discomfort produces the greatest growth and rewards.
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Embracing the art of the possible also requires us to be lifelong learners. It’s only through preparation that we can act quickly on disruptive ideas.
2.Bring out the best in people.
In her book, “Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter,” author Liza Wiseman discusses the impact of creating a work environment where individual strengths and genius can be magnified to serve the greater good. She writes: “It isn’t just how intelligent your team members are; it is how much of that intelligence you can draw out and put to use.”
As we appreciate and take advantage of the diverse approach and experiences each person brings to the team, we are better, stronger and wiser.
3.Foster a unified
vision.
vision.
Few of us have the motivation to work day and night—and do an effective job well—without a specific goal and a strong “why?” behind it. Even in the rush of meeting objectives and managing deadlines, great leaders know when to take a step back to review the broader picture with and for their organization.
Consider the words of French writer Antoine de St. Exuperty: “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.”
Creating a great place to work doesn’t happen overnight but it is possible when we embrace new opportunities, magnify individual strengths, and foster a unified vision.
