Experiential / Reality-based Learning / April 21, 2014

Leadership Tips From a CEO

Smith Promotes Leadership with Corporate Partners

You might not think of yourself as a leader, but BB&T CEO Kelly King insists you are. “The question is: Are you going to be a good leader or a bad leader?”

King explained to the students, faculty, staff and guests at his CEO@Smith presentation on Nov. 6, 2013, that while you may not always be in a leadership role, you can still be a leader to others.

“As a leader, you are a teacher. Your primary job is to get those people to believe what you believe. And whether you are there or not, they will behave accordingly because they believe it is the right thing to do.”

He explained that everyone is the CEO of his or her own company: “yourself. You get to decide how you live your life. You can choose to choose how happy and successful you want to be,” King said. People who are great personal CEOs:

  • Believe “to their toes” in what they are trying to accomplish, no matter what that may be.
  • Commit the time, energy and resources to make their goals happen.
  • Train to have the skills to accomplish their goal.
  • Enjoy the journey. “Not a one of us can change yesterday and not a one of us has tomorrow promised.”
  • Have an enthusiastic and positive attitude to overcome obstacles and focus on their purpose in life. 

Media Contact

Greg Muraski
Media Relations Manager
301-405-5283  
301-892-0973 Mobile
gmuraski@umd.edu 

About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business

The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.

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