4 behaviors to copy from iconic leaders of ultra-successful companies

What special Jeff Bezos did to create an Amazon?

Or how Dhirubhai Ambani was able to build a Reliance?

Did Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella had a magic trick to turn around giants such as Google and Microsoft?

Why Steve Jobs and Elon Musk make for such iconic entrepreneurs?

Each one of these are paragons of effective leadership that embodies specific traits and behaviors. Understanding these commonalities can provide invaluable insights for today’s leaders, founders and success seekers.

There are 4 most important common behaviors that stand out.

1. Ability to think in terms of processes and systems

2. Over indexing on developing extraordinary leaders and collaborating with talent

3. To never get defeated by a failure, but instead learn from it

4. Having an endless desire to outdo themselves instead of competition.

Let’s look at each one of these

First: Ability to think in terms of processes and systems

Jeff Bezos revolutionized the e-commerce landscape not by limiting himself to books but by conceptualizing Amazon as a marketplace that could accommodate a vast array of products. His foresight in establishing systems for logistics, customer service, and seller partnerships created a robust foundation that propelled Amazon into a global powerhouse.

Similarly, Dhirubhai Ambani’s strategic thinking led him to establish one of India's largest petrochemical refineries, which not only brought advanced technology to India but also played a pivotal role in the nation’s economic landscape.

This process-oriented mindset allows them to multiply their efforts. Instead of doing everything by themselves, they could catapult growth by placing right systems and defining processes upfront. If this is not done, early successes do not get converted into sustainable large businesses which are self-driven and cash generating.

Second: Over indexing on developing extraordinary leaders and collaborating with talent

A crucial attribute of these inspiring leaders is their commitment to developing the right leadership teams and management structures. Steve Jobs, for instance, recognized the importance of empowering those around him. His close collaboration with Tim Cook, Apple’s current CEO, ensured that the company was in capable hands even during transitions. Jobs understood that selecting leaders was just the first step; nurturing their growth through mentorship, training, and real-world challenges was equally important. This dedication to leadership development fosters a culture of innovation and accountability that drives sustained organizational success.

Every successful business needed leaders who can execute it. Without execution, businesses remain on paper and nothing but a pile of plans and strategies No matter how visionary a leader’s strategy may be, without efficient execution, goals remain unattainable. Effective execution relies on training leaders to engage in the right behaviors, motivating their teams, and maintaining accountability through well-structured systems and processes. For instance, under Sundar Pichai’s leadership, Google has streamlined its operations while nurturing talent, which has translated into the successful launch of innovative products and expansion into new markets.

Many organizations get caught in a trap where they do not understand the gaps in their execution ecosystem. A self-assessment tool like GreyShoots Self Assess can help here.

The legacy of a founder or a promoter is often determined by how well they prepare their successors. By lending support to emerging leaders and facilitating their development, established leaders ensure that their vision and values continue to thrive within the organization. The Execution Gymnasium is one such comprehensive methodology which builds skills in leaders through deep coaching producing effective results

Third: To never get defeated by a failure, but instead learn from it

Iconic leaders refuse to be defeated by their own failures. This attitude transforms obstacles into stepping stones and fosters a culture of resilience within their organizations.

Take, for instance, the story of Steve Jobs, the iconic co-founder of Apple. After being ousted from the very company he started, Jobs faced what many would consider a crippling defeat. Yet, he returned to Apple at a time when the organization was struggling. Rather than dwelling on his setback, he focused on revitalizing the company. He understood that success does not come overnight; it requires unwavering belief in one's vision and a commitment to collaborating with a dedicated team. Ultimately, Jobs’ resilience and determination not only saved Apple but propelled it to unprecedented heights.

Ratan Tata faced significant backlash over the failure of the Nano project. Instead of labeling it solely a marketing failure, he took accountability, learned from the experience, and moved forward, continuously reinventing and enhancing Tata's offerings in the competitive market. Criticism is another constant for leaders, especially when things go awry. How they respond defines their leadership legacy.

Forth: Having an endless desire to outdo themselves instead of competition

Rather than viewing the market as a direct competition, great leaders embrace a "Blue Ocean" strategy—focusing on untapped market spaces by looking inward. For example, Sundar Pichai's tenure at Google showcases how introspection and customer feedback can yield extraordinary outcomes. Under his leadership, Google has seen exponential growth, introducing numerous innovative services and products that cater to evolving consumer needs.

The ability to detach emotionally from previous creations is a vital asset for successful leaders. Instead of clinging to the past, they analyze their offerings objectively and assess how to make them better. Satya Nadella's leadership at Microsoft illustrates this principle. Entering a landscape dominated by competitors like Facebook and Google, Nadella revitalized the company’s identity. He encouraged a culture of learning and adaptability, ensuring that Microsoft remained a leader in the technology industry by continuously seeking improvement.

What has been built is the foundation but the desire to learn new things and reinvent the service or product offering is a key attribute of these leaders. Jobs launched iPod, iPad and iPhone – all of these products did not have a competition to learn from and were developed solely by the first principles of improving the self with highest focus on customer and quality.

In summary, adopting the right mindset is essential for any leader, founder, or entrepreneur. For C-suite executives and those building new companies, embracing these elements can cultivate a transformative outlook, paving the way for innovative solutions, growth, and profitability

GreyShoots Advisory helps businesses to fix their execution engines by developing the right leadership, fixing processes and motivating the teams. Happy to chat where we can help you grow and meet your targets.