Book Summary: Mind Your Own Business

A maverick is an independent person who will not goThe leader promotes closure. He should know the
along with the other members of a group (Oxfordright time to get things done.
ESL Dictionary). This book provides priceless storiesThe leader knows what he doesn't know. The leader
and insights from a maverick of the business world;is not afraid to ask clarifications, if he does not
an exemplary business leader who prefers not tounderstand a particular subject.
follow orthodox beliefs in business, nor be eaten byThe leader knows the meaning of two minutes. He
the hyped up ideas of the present. Instead, heshould respect the time of others and that of his
chooses the course of action that is appropriate forown.
the changing times.The leader teaches.
The Maverick's Way: New Old ThingAbove all, the leader develops others. As Lao Tzu
What is effective? This is the question answered byadvanced: "the leader having accomplished great
the maverick. He reconciles the good things fromthings, the people all feel they did it themselves..."
both the Old and New times, and focuses on what isThe very best leaders go beyond the mere setting
really effective in confronting the challenges of 21stof example. He should be able to cause a leap of
century business dealings.imagination and faith in his people.
A maverick thinks outside of the bed, knows that itThe leader recognizes that people are often at their
pays to be daring, does not allow technology tovery best the moment they have been let go. There
tyrannize, finds strength in diversity, maintains balanceare times when an employee doesn't like the work
and harmony among people, sets leadership byanymore, or he is unable to appreciate how the
example, has a strong ethical base, and valueswhole enterprise works- this is the time to set him
employees and customers. A maverick knows hisfree.
customers and believes strongly in his products.A Company Must Be Profitable
To a maverick, a company is a not just a big candy1. A solid financial base is fundamental.
store. It is a living instrument with living human beings.2. Debt should not exceed equity. A debt to equity
It should have a HEART.ratio of 1 to 1 or better should be the goal, so that a
Keys to Leadershipcompany's leader and key executives do not spend
The leader leads. He exercises critical judgment,all their time on mere survival -paying bills, meeting
which will have a great impact on his people.the payroll, and keeping the banks happy- but moving
The leader defines the company. The leader'sforward and meeting bigger challenges and doing
responsibility is to explicitly present and advocate themore visionary work.
company's purposes and goals.3. There should be a regular process for annual
The leader inspires. He gives sense and meaning tostrategic planning and budget-planning.
the job. He makes his people realize, that beyondThe Fundamentals of Profit and Loss
profit there is an underlying meaning, value, and1. Manage expectations, not the profits. Keep the
deeper reason for the work they do.shareholders informed, to eliminate doubts of
The leader should be the evangelist. He should bemanipulating numbers.
able to exercise his influence, to sell the values of2. The Chairman and CEO should be financially literate.
ethical conduct.They should know what the numbers really mean.
The leader must see the company as a coherent3. Good growth and profitability requires the exercise
whole. He should be aware of the diversity in theof critical judgment. The leader should make certain
company and bring this together to promote thethat the budget is one the company can live with.
whole.4. In repurchasing the company's own stocks, make
The leader must know that there is no better waysure that it will add to the company's earnings.
to create a family in the workplace than to5. Look into the availability of funds so that the
encourage the family at home. Harman Internationalbalance sheet will not be compromised.
introduced the anti-domestic violence program in theMake an Edge in the Business World
company, which reinforces the idea that the1. Writing. It is a unique and powerful skill you can use
company cares.for clarity and persuasion.
The leader should never underestimate the value of2 Public Speaking and Story-telling. Speak directly, and
disciplined hard work.without notes, to your audience. Individuals respond
The leader empowers subordinates to do their jobs.to a well-told story.
He should institute programs for the guidance and3. Thinking. People do not respect sloppy thinking in a
training of his people. He should always keep the linesleader. Thoughts should be carefully considered then
of communication open.expressed directly, crisply, and clearly.