Leadership Lessons From Bob Hope
Recently, I had the opportunity to interview a lovely man named Gene Perret. Gene is a comedy writer and speaker, who wrote for comedian Bob Hope, among others. He was also an executive producer for “Welcome Back Kotter,” “Three’s Company” and “The Carol Burnett Show.”
During our conversation, Gene said to me, “Donna, Bob Hope was one of the best bosses I ever had.”
When asked why, Gene replied:
1. He was understanding
2. He was appreciative
3. He knew his business
And best of all: “When I was in his presence he made ME feel
important.”
1. He was understanding - Gene tells me that like anyone, comedy
writers can have bad days. Sometimes they write great stuff, but
sometimes they are just off their game. Gene remembered one time he delivered a package of comedy material to Bob, he asked him “Gene,is this stuff any good?” Gene replied, “To be honest Bob, no…..it really isn’t.” Bob could have gotten upset like many other celebrities would have. Instead he said “Ah well, the other guys will be on.”
Bob Hope demonstrated what we all could remember. We’re all human,and we all have off days. The key is to be understanding, and keep moving forward. Guaranteed, it will pay off in the long run more than getting upset.
2. He was appreciative - In a business where many celebrities
expect the best, and expect to be treated like royalty, Bob was
different. He not only thanked his comedy writers for assisting
him….he gave them credit. Although many comedians of the day
would not acknowledge that they had comedy writers, when Hope had an opportunity, he would give his writers credit.
Most accomplishments are the work of more than one person. Shining the spotlight on others who have worked with you does not take away from your accomplishments…so give credit wherever and whenever it is due.
3. He knew his business! Gene Perret felt confident writing for
Bob Hope….because Bob Hope knew what he was doing! He knew his
stuff, and instilled confidence and inspiration in all who worked
with him.
But the best thing that Gene said to me is this:
Bob Hope was the celebrity. He was the star. And people loved him. “But when I was in his presence he made ME feel important.”
And that’s what heart at work, and star treatment boil down to,
don’t they? Making OTHERS feel important. How? By knowing their
names. By listening when they talk. By inviting them in. By
giving them eye contact and a friendly smile. By being
understanding and giving credit where it is due. By responding with kindness.
Thank you Gene Perret and Bob Hope for those lessons in Leadership.
©2005, Donna Cutting, St. Petersburg, FL. You may reproduce this article in its entirety in your publication if you include the byline at the end, including the web address and telephone number. If you would like a photo to accompany the article, email us at rachel@donnacutting.com. We would appreciate a copy of the issue in which the article appears. Please send a copy to ShowStopping Solutions, PO Box 76461, St. Petersburg, FL 33734.
Donna Cutting is a nationally recognized speaker and author of the forthcoming book, “The Celebrity Experience: How To Make Your Customers Feel Like Stars!” She can be reached via email at donna@donnacutting or through her website at http://www.donnacutting.com
