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3 guiding principles of thoughtful leadership with Steve Stoute
Great companies are built on intention, not instinct. Music mogul and entrepreneur Steve Stoute, often called “the CEO other CEOs turn to for advice,” knows this firsthand.
Strong leadership isn’t about having the loudest voice or the most magnetic personality. It shows up in everyday choices guided by clear, concrete values. In this lesson, Stoute outlines his top three leadership principles that shape company culture from the ground up, from signaling trust and commitment to embracing conflict and admitting what you don’t know.
Learning objectives:
Align behaviors with values.
Create systems of accountability.
Encourage different opinions to achieve the best outcomes.
Deliver tailored feedback with empathy.
Cultivate a creative environment that welcomes outside passions.
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Lessons:
Lesson 1: Make Values Your Organization's DNA
If you’re ever in Seattle, you might stop by the infamous Gum Wall. What started with a few stray pieces eventually grew into a 50-foot stretch of brick completely covered in old chewing gum. Apparently, even the most conscientious people thought, “Well, everyone else is doing it.”
Lesson 2: Do What You Say
“I meant what I said, and I said what I meant. An elephant’s faithful, one hundred percent!” Within this catchy rhyme from the title character of Dr. Seuss’s “Horton Hatches the Egg” is a key lesson about sticking to your promises. It’s one CEO Steve Stoute knows all too well. Especially if you’re a leader, others are always looking at how closely your actions match your words.
Lesson 3: Don’t Make “Conflict” A Bad Word
The society in Lois Lowry’s “The Giver” appears at first to be a utopia, free of chaos and pain. But behind the picturesque surface lies a darker truth: harmony comes at the cost of individuality, emotion, and freedom. CEO Steve Stoute wouldn’t make this trade. He views conflict as an essential component of a healthy organization.
Lesson 4: Don’t Yell Your Feedback
Many of us have been there. You feel your cheeks flush and a rush of adrenaline as you raise your voice to really get your point across. However, getting louder does not mean you’re being listened to — that's a lesson CEO Steve Stoute has learned the hard way. As a reformed yeller, he’s recognized the futility of this approach and now advocates for a better one.
Lesson 5: Be Honest About Problems
According to a 2023 poll, 40% of adults put off going to the doctor due to anxiety. The unfortunate paradox is that staying in denial of an issue can often make the condition worse. Similarly in business, it can be tempting to avoid dealing with problems directly. But, as CEO Steve Stoute notes, the more clearly you face the challenge, the easier it is to find a solution for it.
Lesson 6: Let People Bring Their Whole Selves to Work
“So, what’s your major?” It’s a much-dreaded, frequently asked question college students face when they return home for break. Choosing a field of study can feel like you’re locking in your future. Yet in reality, many people’s career paths diverge significantly from their degrees; your major does not define your full identity. CEO Steve Stoute brings this deeper understanding to the workplace. He believes your job description shouldn’t limit what you can bring to the table.
