Steve Gavatorta: What motivates you?
Matthew Hudson: Creating. I love to start
with
a whiteboard and bring an idea to fruition. I have
been very blessed in my career to have done this
several times. Its funny that this is the part of
consulting that I do not like. Many times you are just
a piece to the overall plan and you never get
to "build" anything. When I was in the corporate
world, if I got myself into a job that was
maintenance instead of creative, then I tried to get
out as fast possible.
Steve Gavatorta: How do you motivate your
clients?
Matthew Hudson: Simple math. We live in an
ATM society meaning that with today's technology,
you can do everything yourself. You don't need a
banker or a sales person anymore. We do everything
ourselves and try to pack as much into our week as
possible. We have short attention spans and are way
too generous with the Ridlin. So, if you can speak in
bullet points and dollar signs, you can keep people's
attention and help them achieve.
Steve Gavatorta: Describe your leadership
style?
Matthew Hudson: Hopefully, my leadership
style
is based on the last answer. My mentor taught me to
listen first, ask a ton of questions and then lead from
the "follower's" point of view. Its what Robert
Greenleaf called Servant Leadership and I believe this
philosophy with all my heart. It is biblical-centered
and principally sound.
Steve Gavatorta: Who do you consider a
good leader/role model & why?
Matthew Hudson: Rather than give you a
name,
let me describe him or her. He is passionate about
other's success. She leads from the heart and not
the head. He admits when he is wrong. And she has
to admit it a lot because she is not afraid to get out
there and take a chance. Above all, she is creative.
He is quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.
Steve Gavatorta: How do you continue to
lead through times of adversity?
Matthew Hudson: This is my favorite time to
lead. When adversity strikes, we look within and
start to doubt. As a leader, you can keep the team
focused and remind them of the person they are and
not the person they are right now.
Steve Gavatorta: During these fast paced
times, how do you lead during change and ambiguity?
Matthew Hudson: I believe a person draws
the
majority of their self esteem from their job. I don't
believe it is supposed to be this way; it just is. With
this is mind, any decision I make any action I take, I
must first consider the impact on the self esteem of
those involved. The old saying "Its not personal its
just business" is a movie line and nothing more. It is
not the way to lead or serve today. In fact, it never
was. Everything is personal. Believe that and you will
do everything differently. Your reports will be
different. Your meetings will be different. Your career
will be different.
Steve Gavatorta: Do you have any
suggested reading on Management, Motivation
and/or Leadership?
Matthew Hudson: I get asked this question
a
lot. I have five books I recommend. 1. The Republic
by Plato. Yes, it's old and very hard to follow and
stay engaged. But if you make it through, you will
learn from the best negotiator (debater) of our time.
2. Why Employees Don't do what they are
Supposed
to Do by Ferdinand Fournies. This book taught me a
lot about myself in leading and managing people. I
use it all the time. 3. If you are in business, you
should read The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman.
It is a lot longer than it needs to be, but the case for
what's coming next for our country and economy is
terrific. 4. All truth is God's truth, so if you do not
put the Bible on this list, you are missing out on the
best principle-centered leadership story ever told.
Check out James and you will know where I got my
answer to question 4. and 5. Built to Last by James
Collins. Most people talk about the follow up to this
book Good to Great, but it's just a lot of words to
me - too "college textbook." The principles in Built
to Last are solid and work for any type of
organization.
Steve Gavatorta: Thanks for your time,
Matt.
