If you try something you’re only moderately good at, you’re increasing the risk of failure. A distinctive strength, is something that you do, that others within your sphere do not. Pairing this strength with a need to be met or a problem to be solved gives you the momentum. This focus has ensured that Nick Nairn has become a CEO anyone in the FMCG industry would like to work for.

Leading a team is a skill that you have to constantly work on. And I think if you reflect and think you’re good at it, when you first do, you’re probably not reflecting very well. So it is a philosophy. And I think you’ve got to realize responsibility and impact you have on people’s lives and careers. It is really important. The analogy I often use is tennis. It’s your job to set the boundaries, but then they let you guys and girls play as they want. And you’re in the coach’s box when you need them. And you know where their skills are. But don’t tell them how to hit every ball. They’ve got to work that out themselves, as long as it aligns where the boundaries are. And you’ve got that ultimate accountability of, winning or losing a point.

Nick Nairn

So many great takeaways from this conversation. Listen to the episode in the player below, or download and enjoy it on iTunes. If you’re so inclined, please leave us a review!