Andy Grove’s Job Description (Yours Too)

When Andy Grove was running Intel, Intel rocked. Simple as that. He was a superb leader, one who (unlike too many CEO’s today) truly earned his multi-million dollar compensation package. What was the secret of his success? Many commentators have correctly pointed out his attributes of contrarian vision, non-politically correct candor, and unequivocal execution. Here was a guy who steered Intel away from its cash cow DRAM chips (which had become a low-margin commodity) towards high-growth microprocessors, who encouraged a culture of “constructive confrontation” rather than b.s. passive-aggressive politics, and who stayed personally engaged even to the point of working in an open cubicle. All true. But I came across a little tidbit which I think was instrumental in his leadership, particularly his ability to mobilize other people to strive for extraordinary goals—and this attribute is one which I think is essential for any leader today. Nearly four decades ago, Grove read a blurb which described the responsibilities of a film director. Even though directing a film and running a manufacturing company seem worlds apart, Grove glommed onto the article he read, copied the film director’s job responsibilities, and in 1969 he posted “My Job Description” on his office door. Here’s what it said: “A soother of egos, a cajoler of artistic talent…with the vision and force to make all these elements fuse into an inspired whole.” Brilliant. Even back then, Grove recognized that in running an organization, the leader who wants sustained competitive success can’t simply manage people with bureaucratic command-and-control techniques. The leader has to surround himself or herself with great talent, and then—using both imaginative vision and disciplined expectations—somehow coax and inspire those talented people to work together as a team in order to develop—and execute—cool technologies, great products, and superb services. The effective leader today is less of a mechanical “boss” and more of a conductor of a symphony or jazz band—someone who sees the big picture, points the way, integrates the talent, facilitates the work, helps people navigate the potholes, confronts the problems quickly, and revs up peoples’ excitement and commitment towards the end goals. The official job description you got when you joined your company is useful only if you want to survive. But if you want your career to thrive, Andy Grove’s job description is yours too.