Leadership is a Journey
By Ann Murtlow
President & CEO, Indianapolis Power & Light Company
"When did you decide you wanted to be a CEO?” It’s a question that is often asked of me and one that continues to catch me off guard. Why? Well...because I never made a conscious decision to become a CEO. Rather, my rise to this position has been a function of hard work, a willingness to bet on my ability to succeed, and an ability to admit and learn from my mistakes.
Some lessons I have learned from my family and others from several great mentors who saw potential in me that I had not yet recognized in myself. They nurtured and developed that potential by posing questions (rather than by providing answers). They celebrated my successes. They allowed me to fail and then to remedy those failures. They gave me the experience, confidence and opportunity to take on bigger challenges.
So what would I share with you as leadership lessons? Don’t take yourself too seriously. If you do, there is a chance that you will take things too personally and drive too hard for success. Laugh at yourself once in a while.
Treat people well. How you treat people, in good times and bad, is a reflection of your character.
Work hard to be a worthwhile contributor to society but not so hard that it consumes you. Pull your weight, use your brain and do something that makes a difference and makes you happy.
Slow down! The pace of life is so fast that the years can go by in a flash. Take time to enjoy your successes.
Money is nice but it won’t ultimately make you happy. While not having sufficient financial security can limit your choices and put you at risk, having plenty of it will not make up for not having some of the more important things in life. Plan your time and attention accordingly.
Develop, strengthen and rely on your faith. Those with a strong faith in God and in fellow human beings are capable of weathering tragedy and difficult times in a way that others cannot. Your faith also enables you to help bring peace to others who need you.
Be accountable for your actions both good and bad. Admit your mistakes without reservation. Confession provides a great sense of freedom (how can you be afraid that people will find out something they already know). Most importantly, confession is the first step in learning from mistakes and helping others to do so as well.
Have the strength to be who you are. Do the right thing, even when the cost is high.
Get to know people – I mean really get to know them. You will find more similarities than differences. Knowing people deeply rather than superficially will help you establish long-term, meaningful relationships.
Be courageous in pursuing your dreams. Don’t let self-doubt or fear of judgment keep you from stretching yourself.
Provide great opportunities for your high performers even if it means losing them. If someone can’t reach their potential with you then encourage them to find it elsewhere. There is no greater joy as a leader than watching those you have influenced achieve bigger and better things.
Stay out of the details. There is a big difference between a manager and a leader. External focus and strategic thinking is necessary if a team is to excel. Remember that leadership is a journey and that ultimate success comes from exposure to new places -- each of which should be appreciated for what it teaches us.
Ann D. Murtlow is President and Chief Executive Officer of Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL) and also serves as Vice President of IPL's parent company, AES Corporation. Ann began her career as an engineer with Bechtel Power Corporation, one of the world’s leading engineering and construction firms. After five years, she was recruited to AES Corporation headquarters in Arlington, Virginia to lead the environmental permitting activities for new power stations in the U.S. and abroad. In 1997, Ann moved to AES' regional office in London, England; first as Senior Project Director responsible for business development in Europe and Africa, and then as the AES officer responsible for business development and operations in 22 Northern and Central European countries. In 2002, Ann was named President and Chief Executive Officer of IPL where she is focused on providing value to company stakeholders through operating excellence in the areas of safety, environmental performance, reliability, customer service, financial performance, employee engagement and community leadership. Ann received her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Lehigh University in 1982. Ann is involved with a variety of community organizations, including the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Central Indiana Community Foundation, The Mind Trust and Young Presidents Organization (YPO).
Contact Ann at ann.murtlow@aes.com to share your feedback on her leadership lesson.
Partners
-
Platinum Partner
-
Gold Partner
-
Gold Partner
-
Gold Partner
-
Gold Partner
-
Gold Partner
-
Gold Partner
-
Gold Partner
-
Gold Partner
-
Silver Partner
-
Silver Partner
-
Silver Partner
-
Silver Partner
-
Silver Partner
-
Silver Partner
-
Silver Partner
-
Silver Partner
-
Silver Partner
