What distinguishes President Mark Emmert from other leaders is that he doesn’t lead out of fear.
When people suggest new ideas to Emmert, his responses are:
“Why didn’t we think of this idea a long time ago?”
“Let’s do it.”
“That’s a possibility.”
In contrast, when I questioned his predecessor, Richard McCormick, on increasing diversity in top management, he barked at me.
Leaders have to understand that ego is a barrier to excellence. When someone questions them, it simply offers opportunity for change. It is not a personal attack.
Emmert is an open-minded and secure human being. His ability to listen and engage people is an asset to build teams to get things done. That’s why he has done more than his predecessors. ♦