My friend, Howard Putnam, is truly a guru — a very, very wise individual.
Howard was formerly the CEO of Southwest Airlines. And, as he readily and publicly admits, he would love to reconsider his decision to leave Southwest for the top spot at Braniff Airlines all those many years ago.
(But, look at his track record. Howard was honest to creditors…and brought the airline out of bankruptcy — the first time any airline ever accomplished that feat. He is truly an amazing individual and extraordinary executive.)
In a recent post, Howard writes of the power of the “personal brand.” He says, “Over time we develop a personal brand, whether we think of it in that way or not. Over my years in commercial aviation, I will forever be known or remembered as the ‘Former CEO of Southwest Airlines and Braniff International.’ I never shy away from that brand and use it as a positive. What is your personal brand separating you from the rest and gives you an edge up? Once you find it and it is working, stick with it.”
In “Collapse of Distinction,” I wrote about the phenomenon that we “run from our own uniqueness.”
In other words, while we love the stories of distinction from others, for some strange, ephemeral reason, we tend to disavow the very aspects that have potential to attract clients and prospects closer to us.
Howard Putnam evidently agrees. “I heard the great golfer, Arnold Palmer, speak some years ago. We were all anxiously awaiting his golf stories……unfortunately since there were many politicians and CEO’s in the audience he chose to talk about politics. It fell flat. He got away from his fame and personal brand.”
As Howard states, “Be proud of whom you are and what you have accomplished. Stick with your brand and it will work for you.”
Howard Putnam is so honest and ethical, I would play poker with him over the telephone. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful brand for YOU to obtain, as well?
Don’t run from your uniqueness! Exploit it (in the positive sense) so you stand out and move up…even in challenging times!
Wise words from a very wise man…
March 17, 2010 · 1 comment
My friend, Howard Putnam, is truly a guru — a very, very wise individual.
Howard was formerly the CEO of Southwest Airlines. And, as he readily and publicly admits, he would love to reconsider his decision to leave Southwest for the top spot at Braniff Airlines all those many years ago.
(But, look at his track record. Howard was honest to creditors…and brought the airline out of bankruptcy — the first time any airline ever accomplished that feat. He is truly an amazing individual and extraordinary executive.)
In a recent post, Howard writes of the power of the “personal brand.” He says, “Over time we develop a personal brand, whether we think of it in that way or not. Over my years in commercial aviation, I will forever be known or remembered as the ‘Former CEO of Southwest Airlines and Braniff International.’ I never shy away from that brand and use it as a positive. What is your personal brand separating you from the rest and gives you an edge up? Once you find it and it is working, stick with it.”
In “Collapse of Distinction,” I wrote about the phenomenon that we “run from our own uniqueness.”
Howard Putnam evidently agrees. “I heard the great golfer, Arnold Palmer, speak some years ago. We were all anxiously awaiting his golf stories……unfortunately since there were many politicians and CEO’s in the audience he chose to talk about politics. It fell flat. He got away from his fame and personal brand.”
As Howard states, “Be proud of whom you are and what you have accomplished. Stick with your brand and it will work for you.”
Howard Putnam is so honest and ethical, I would play poker with him over the telephone. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful brand for YOU to obtain, as well?