How John Caldon Inspired Me to Raise My Standards

The late, great John Caldon – former Deputy MD of Macquarie Group – always took great care when he delivered critical feedback.

On one occasion in 1997, John asked me to write a memo about a new business idea that he thought had potential.

I must have put in a lazy effort because the next day John called me into his office, smiled kindly and asked: “What do you think of this memo, Adam?”

Unsure where he was going, I shrugged and said: “It’s OK, I guess”.

“Mmm, yeah, I agree. It’s OK. But it’s not up to the usual Adam Geha standards, is it?”

That’s all he said and all he needed to say.

John was simultaneously kicking me up the butt, complementing me about my past performance and reminding me that I (not him) set a high standard for my work – which I should always strive to uphold.

The next morning, I had a much more compelling memo on his desk. “Ahh”, John bellowed from his office clapping his hands, “that’s much more like it, Adam. This is absolutely fantastic.”

Subtle in his criticism, lavish with his praise – John’s management style always got the best out of me.

He practised what my brother Dr Shane Geha regularly admonishes: “Make a point and make a friend – it’s much better than just making a point.”