70.
Extreme Leadership and
Kid’s Clothing
I just had a visit with the tailor who adjust my kids’ school clothes this morning before I wrote this chapter.
I’ve known him for a long time and he’s always treated us well. He’s been in business for 40 years, so I
thought I’d get behind his eyeballs and discover what has made his business both as successful and as
sustainable as it’s been. I started asking my questions.
“Robin, there are four simple principles that we’ve followed here in our shop. They’ve served me
well my whole life. I actually learned them by watching my mother as I grew up. She was one of the most
amazing people I’ve ever known,” he said, and then paused for a moment. “I miss her terribly.”
I thought I’d share Neil’s four principles with you, as you raise your standards and shine more
brightly at work – and at home.
Four leadership Lessons from a Wise Tailor:
Improve: Always be getting and doing better. Never settle for mediocrity.
Observe: Talk to the people you work with. Really listen to them. And keep your eyes on the business.
Because you can expect only that which you inspect.
Connect: Be really good to people. Treat your customers with respect. Give them good value. Be caring
and deal with any complaints fast.
Adapt: Conditions change. Competition grows. Uncertainty is the new normal. Stay fast. Stay flexible. Stay
nimble.