The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. What I like about this organization is that they believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change. When it comes to great leadership advice, Jack Ma has the presence to deliver it.
I’ve been paying close attention to their output this week as they hold their annual global meeting so that I can personally know what’s going on plus bring you some of the key takeaways that resonated most.
One that got my attention was an interview with Jack Ma, the co-founder and executive chairman of the globe-spanning commercial giant Alibaba (think Amazon meets eBay in an Artificial Intelligence way).
I appreciated his speech because he shared a lot of common-sense information that has been confirmed by other business giants. I like a person who can bring things back to basics, exactly as Ma did.
Common sense is not always common practice.
Some of the best points Jack Ma made after 20 years of business included:
Worry and fear is OK: Ma said he was scared and had doubts when he started his company but knew somebody would win that market place. “In business, never worry about competition; never worry about the pressure.” He said. “If you worry about pressure, don’t be a businessman … If you create value, there is opportunity.” I feel that the whole world spends too much time worrying. Ma reminded me that there is great opportunity here.
People are important: “How do we teach kids to be more creative and do things that machines cannot do? Machines have chips, but human beings have hearts … Education should move in this direction,” said Ma. People have hearts– beautiful! He also reminded us that a set rules and strict laws are how one person can control a less intelligent population; however, leading smart people involves understanding their culture and value system. So, so true!
Be the dumbest: Like many leaders who have achieved great things, Ma said the key to his success is in hiring people who are smarter than him. Have you ever noticed how many successful business people have repeated this sentiment? Clearly, there’s something to it. Ma said he looks for people who could be his boss in four or five years and that’s brilliant.
Get some sleep: Your body is a machine and it needs its rest. When it doesn’t get it, results will show. “If I don’t sleep well, the problem will still be there,” he said. “If I sleep, I have a better chance to fight it.”
Find mentors early: “Your first job is your most important,” said Ma. “Not necessarily a company that has a great name but you should find a good boss that can teach you how to be a human being, how to do things properly, and stay there. Give yourself a promise: I will stay there for three years.” This was key to my personal growth and it is a principle that I still put in practice today.
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