Gary Wenet knew Ed Rendell would win the gubernatorial election. He knew this not because he knows political secrets, but because he knows the secrets of leadership.
Last night, Wenet, co-author with Barbara Mackoff of The Inner Work of Leaders, spoke to Penn students about how they too could become great leaders.
The former psychologist and current faculty member of the American Management Association introduced himself as "an adviser to leaders. I am devoted to bringing the best out of people... [which] is an extremely exciting career."
For his book, Wenet interviewed more than 60 leaders. From these interviews, the author concluded that personal legacy can greatly affect leadership and that five "Habits of Mind" determine great leaders.
According to Wenet, everyone has a personal legacy based on family background, mentors and teachers -- or "champions of people" -- and experiences "that seem so small on one hand but can translate into... business and organizational policy."
Wenet discussed John Bryan as an example of the effects of personal legacy. Bryan, who grew up in rural Mississippi watching his father fight segregation and racism, today serves as chief executive officer of Sara Lee, a corporation known for its promotion of cultural diversity and women in executive positions -- as well as its food products.
Wenet then spoke about "the five Habits of Mind that create the power of leadership."
The first, the author began, is reflection. Great leaders "learn from any experience, no matter how pleasant or unpleasant that that experience may be."
Second, leaders have conviction, something Wenet noted in Governor-elect Rendell. Although no former Philadelphia mayor had won a gubernatorial election in 90 years, Wenet thought, "If conviction has anything to do with [leadership], Rendell will win."
Acting as a great leader also means "never becoming hopeless and always bouncing back," Wenet said.
Next, leaders must have attunement. Wenet described this as "putting yourself in someone else's shoes."
A great leader's last "Habit of Mind" is creating balance between his or her personal and work lives, Wenet concluded.
A question and answer session followed Wenet's talk. When asked how to find outside mentors, he advised, "the clearer you are about what your values are, the more likely you are to attract the right person."
Another student asked if charisma was natural in leadership. "Charisma is not necessary in being an effective leader," Wenet said. Rather, he saw more "fierceness" and "humility" in those he interviewed.
Wenet's presentation was "applicable to everyday life," said College sophomore Eren Hock. "He had very instrumental ideas."
College sophomore Greg Tidwell commented, "That guy was cool. I like how he is motivated by motivating other people."
The event was sponsored by the Fox Leadership Program.
This article identified John Bryan as the current chief executive officer of Sara Lee. In fact, Bryan is the former CEO.
