Leadership and the Final Line

This last week, the Wall Street Journal featured an obituary in their review section. It was nearly a full page about Mike Ullman, the corporate leader who helped fix J.C. Penney. There were a few things I loved about his story.

First, how he met his wife: “At a fraternity function, he met Cathy Emmons, a graphic-arts student who typically wore bluejeans. One of their first dates was at a university dance, to which he also invited his parents. ‘I don’t remember that we danced even once,’ she wrote in an email. ‘He spent most of the evening making sure the mechanics of the event went smoothly, and I sat chatting with his folks.’”

Second, his leadership philosophy: “Ullman, who also served as chairman of Starbucks, said good leaders needed three qualities: telling the truth, giving others credit and humility.”

Third, the last line of the obituary: “Ullman’s survivors include his wife, Cathy Ullman; six children; and six grandchildren. He left behind a Bible annotated with his notes in the margins and held together with packing tape.”