Michael Useem – Leadership & Going Long

“Leadership makes a difference especially when the world is changing.” Mike Useem

Having a long academic career teaching in the fields of Leadership and Change Management, Michael Useem has a great deal of wisdom, knowledge and insight to share as it relates to what makes world-class leaders. The interview begins with Mike explaining why leadership is so important, the qualities of great leaders and how we can develop it in our personal and professional lives.

In the second part of our interview, we discuss Mike new book, Go Long in which he co-authored with Dennis Carey, Brian Dumaine and Rodney Zemmel. An amazing read with many critical insights as to why long-term thinking is the best short-term strategy. Get your pen and paper out and get ready to take some notes.

“The world runs on the hi-octane fuel of people deciding that they can make a difference.” Mike Useem

Guest Bio

MICHAEL USEEM is director of the Center for Leadership and Change Management and William and Jacalyn Egan Professor of Management at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is author of Fortune Makers, The Strategic Leader’s Roadmap, Boards That Lead, and The Leader’s Checklist, among other books. His book The Leadership Moment was included in 800 CEO Read’s 100 Best Business Books of All Time and listed as one of the 10 best leadership books on the Washington Post’s “Leadership Playlist.”

Topics of discussion 

• Leadership defined – an opportunity to offer value in moments of change and uncertainty.
• The defining qualities of great leaders.
• The top 3 ways to best develop awesome leaders.
• Go Long – why long-term thinking is the best short-term strategy.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Exercise, mindfulness practice and Social Connection.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Be on the road you want to be on. Step forward and put up your hand to serve and make a difference.

How would you define success? What does success look like to you? 

Making a difference in the world and being mindful of what is important.

What is one tool, skill, resource, or technique that has helped improve your effectiveness and/or productivity? 

Make it about others and be a great leader.

If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?

Healthy food served with family, friends and faith.

What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy? 

High altitude hiking.

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be? 

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t by Jim Collins

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

Go Long: Why Long-Term Thinking Is Your Best Short-Term Strategy by Michael Useem, Dennis Carey, Brian Dumaine and Rodney Zemmel

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?

“Leadership makes a difference especially when the world is changing.” Mike Useem

Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?

I believe we all create a purpose.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

The purpose is vision, strategy and knowing where you are going.

Passion is the energy, excitement, inspiration to be ready to commit to it long-term.

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

The world runs on the hi-octane fuel of people deciding that they can make a difference.

How to connect with Mike

Search “Useem” and find Michael and his many works online.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.