The Power of Courtesy in Leadership

To young leaders.

Noblesse oblige. The more authority we have, the more humility we are called to walk in.

When I first joined Macquarie Group in 1994, one thing that stood out immediately was the courtesy with which John Caldon treated all people, regardless of rank.

He almost always opened the door for others, greeted people with good humour, and said “please” and “thank you” – even when he didn’t need to.

Now that I think of it, especially when he didn’t need to.

Courtesy inspires others to give of their best. To lead is to be courteous.

To whom much is given, much is required.