“Make sure you have heart, and curiosity, and give a damn, and understand that you don’t know it all, and you’re not even the expert anymore.” – Jamie Dimon, CEO JP Morgan
Success in business can be intoxicating. The accolades, the power, and the financial rewards can easily lead to arrogance and detachment from the realities of the organization. However, true leadership requires humility, a willingness to learn, and a genuine connection with the people you lead. This is the essence of a powerful piece of advice from Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase: “Make sure you have heart, and curiosity, and give a damn, and understand that you don’t know it all, and you’re not even the expert anymore.”
Dimon’s words resonate deeply in a world where ego and self-promotion often overshadow genuine leadership. He’s not just offering a platitude; he’s sharing a hard-earned lesson about the importance of staying grounded, even at the highest levels of an organization. This sentiment echoes a line from the late John Weinberg, head of Goldman Sachs, whom Dimon admires: “You either grow or you swell.”
In the original interview, Dimon was discussing how to avoid letting success go to your head. He emphasized that as leaders rise through the ranks, they often become less knowledgeable about the day-to-day operations of their organizations. This can breed insecurity, leading some leaders to become controlling, isolated, and unwilling to admit what they don’t know.
This quote and the surrounding context highlight several key principles:
- Humility as a Shield: It recognizes that humility is not a weakness, but a strength that protects leaders from arrogance and detachment.
- The Danger of Insecurity: It acknowledges that insecurity can be a powerful force that drives leaders to make poor decisions and create toxic work environments.
- The Importance of Continuous Learning: It underscores the need for leaders to remain curious, to seek out new knowledge, and to recognize that they are no longer the expert in every area of their organization.
- Heart and Passion as Anchors: It emphasizes that heart (empathy, compassion) and a genuine passion for the work are essential for staying connected to the people you lead and the mission you serve.
Dimon’s message is clear: To avoid the “big head” and remain effective leaders, we must cultivate humility, embrace continuous learning, and stay connected to our people. It’s a reminder that true leadership is not about having all the answers, but about creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique talents and perspectives. It’s about growing, not swelling.
