Southwest Airlines would not exist today if not for the inimitable and indomitable spirit of Herb Kelleher, it’s founder and retired CEO.
Kelleher is famous for his straight talk and warm humor, but also his personal and professional eccentricity.
At the age of 87, he is an unapologetic Wild Turkey drinker, cigarette smoker, and lawyer turned airline executive who is still tickled by Southwest’s success over the years.
Clearly, he has a feel for people and the confidence to get big things done. But his real secret weapon seems to be his humility.
In an interview on NPR’s “How I Built This” with Guy Raz, Kelleher tells his story and how he lives and works.
His humility comes out right away, in the first few seconds in fact.
Raz addresses him as “Mr. Kelleher” and Kelleher immediately replies with “Make it Herb, if you would please.”
He then goes on to explain how other airlines sued Southwest to keep it from launching. He talked about its discount strategy and the choice to not serve meals on flights.
Kelleher has a gift for weaving innovation, common sense and humility into every decision.
At one point in the interview, he sums up the driving principle of his business philosophy:
“Think small and act small, and we’ll get bigger. Think big and act big, and we’ll get smaller.”
Makes sense, right?
Act like a big shot, and you will lose touch and eventually take a big fall.
However, if you can retain your humility, stay hungry, and keep thinking small, growth will happen.
Thinking too big can lead to dangerous audaciousness.
Start small. Keep it simple. And stay humble – like Herb – if you want to make it big.
Have a great week.
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