Frank Blake
Former CEO & Chairman of Home Depot
What a great leadership lesson Frank shared, a lesson he learned by working for George H. W. Bush.
The single most underappreciated tool that leaders have is the recognition and gratitude they can express to people working for them, and doing it in a way that is memorable for the people who are recognized and celebrated.
For Frank, that meant recognizing people by bringing them up on stage and telling stories about them that demonstrated great customer service. Or by writing 200 handwritten personal notes every Sunday, thanking people for specific things they had done.
Just as kids will root for athletes who take the time to sign autographs, Frank generated support from his team by writing them personal letters of recognition.
And in the spirit of Frank’s lesson, I want to recognize my team at Meikles and Dimes. My daughter Kyla manages all of my social media, updates the website each week, and sends out the newsletter each week. You’re the best Kyla. And my son Bennett has marketed the podcast to thousands of people. You’re the best too Bennett. And big thanks to my wife Keshia who listens to every episode. I love you all.
In summary, don’t underestimate the power of recognition and storytelling.
It’s a simple idea. Please take it seriously.
Frank Blake Bio:
Frank Blake is the former CEO and Chairman of Home Depot, where he led a massive company turn around during his tenure. Frank’s other leadership positions include serving as board member at Delta, general counsel at GE, general counsel for the EPA, deputy secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy, deputy counsel to Vice President George H. W. Bush, and law clerk for Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.
