“There’s a humility to being curious and learning. I still see a lot of people who don’t want to get on the road, don’t go to a call center, because they don’t want to hear about the mistakes they’re making and what they can do better from someone who is junior.” – Jamie Dimon, CEO JP Morgan
It’s easy for leaders to become detached from the day-to-day realities of their organizations. However, true leadership requires a willingness to get your hands dirty, to listen to those on the front lines, and to embrace a culture of continuous learning. This is the essence of a powerful quote from Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase: “There’s a humility to being curious and learning. I still see a lot of people who don’t want to get in the trenches, don’t go to a call center, because they don’t want to hear about the mistakes they’re making and what they can do better from someone who is junior.”
Dimon, known for his hands-on leadership style, isn’t just talking about abstract concepts. He’s drawing from his own experiences of visiting branches, sitting down with tellers, and actively seeking feedback from employees at all levels. In the original interview, Dimon was discussing the importance of curiosity and how leaders can learn from those closest to the customer. He emphasized that a leader’s willingness to listen, even to junior employees, is crucial for identifying areas for improvement and fostering a culture of open communication.
This quote highlights several key principles:
- Humility as a Strength: It challenges the traditional notion of leadership as a top-down, authoritative role. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of humility and a willingness to learn from others, regardless of their position.
- The Value of Frontline Insights: It recognizes that those on the front lines often have the most valuable insights into customer needs, operational inefficiencies, and potential problems.
- Creating a Culture of Open Communication: It underscores the importance of creating an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their feedback, even if it’s critical of leadership.
Dimon’s message is clear: Great leaders don’t hide in their offices. They get in the trenches, listen to their people, and embrace a culture of continuous learning. By doing so, they can gain a deeper understanding of their organizations, identify areas for improvement, and build stronger, more resilient teams. It’s a reminder that true leadership is not about having all the answers, but about asking the right questions and being open to learning from those around you.
