The document describes the most outstanding leaders the author has worked with and key lessons learned from each. It discusses several former leaders and their inspiring, ethical, relentless, well-connected, charismatic, flexible, assertive, challenging, pragmatic, and people-focused leadership styles. For each leader, it identifies similarities and differences between the author's approach and highlights characteristics the leader has that the author lacks. The overall message is the importance of learning from many leaders to develop a strong, well-rounded leadership style.

1. E. Describe the most outstanding leader you
have worked with. Indicate some aspects of
the way you work that are similar to the way
this leader works and others that are
different.
I have met great leaders throughout my
professional career, and because of this, I need
to say that the most outstanding leader that I
have worked with is a mix of the different
attributes of great supervisors, co-workers, and
even individuals that I have supervised in the
past.

2. The Outstanding Leader
Inspiring
Managing Director
3M Colombia
Ethic
Controller
3M Panama Pacifico
Relentless
Finance Manager
3M Colombia
Well Connected
Operations Manager
3M Panama Pacifico
Charismatic
Site Manager
3M Panama Pacifico
Flexible
Finance Director
3M Latin America
Assertive
Managing Director
3M Mexico
Challenging
VP, Finance
3M Asia Pacific

3. Networking
I learned from this leader the importance of a strong and
well organized network of individuals inside and outside the
organization.
Similarities
- Getting to know people as they really are and not just their work
performance.
- Connecting with members of different organizations and areas that probably
can help you in the future even they are not helpful today.
- Engaging the appropriate people to succeed in a project.
Differences*
- Depending on organizational hierarchy to escalate issues and resolve
quickly.
- Challenging the employees and forcing succeed
Well Connected
Operations Manager
3M Panama Pacifico
* Characteristics that the leader has and I
don’t.

4. Dealing with external realities
I learned from this leader the importance of keeping the
mind open and understanding that projects are much more
complex than what they seem.
Similarities
- Process oriented.
- Adapting when external situations affect the plans.
Differences*
- Careful and pro-documenting style.
- Anticipating market trends and creating Plan B’s.
* Characteristics that the leader has and I
don’t.
Flexible
Finance Director
3M Latin America

5. Pragmatic
I learned from this leader the importance of not loosing
sight of the main goals and resolving the issues with out
entering in major and complicated situations.
Similarities
- Intelligent
- Analytical
- Respectful
Differences*
- Demanding
- Vast experience in the market
- Courageous in taking difficult decisions
* Characteristics that the leader has and I
don’t.
Assertive
Managing Director
3M Mexico

6. Its all about leadership
I learned from this leader the importance being a good
leader, and also working and developing strong leaders.
Similarities
- Intelligent
- Teaching and developing oriented
Differences*
- Demanding
- Courageous in taking difficult decisions
* Characteristics that the leader has and I
don’t.
Challenging
VP, Finance
3M Asia Pacific

7. People follow People, not organizations
I learned from this leader that you have to be an example
to the people you are leading, and that they rely on you and
trust you if you provide a clear perspective of the north of
the organization
Similarities
- Communicative
- Passionate
Differences*
- Very sensitive to people feelings
- Difficulties managing high levels of pressure
* Characteristics that the leader has and I
don’t.
Inspiring
Managing Director
3M Colombia

8. Never betray your principles
I learned from this leader that doesn’t matter the situation
you are facing, you should always be consistent with your
principles and raise your hand if you don’t feel confortable
with anything that the organization you are collaborating
with is doing.
Similarities
- Ethic
- Optimistic
Differences*
- Difficult to adapt
- High focus on complying with policies and processes (no exceptions)
* Characteristics that the leader has and I
don’t.
Ethic
Controller
3M Panama Pacifico

9. Never betray your principles
I learned from this leader that there is always a method to
achieve your objectives, that it doesn't matter if a door
closes, you should think outside the box and will find
additional options to succeed.
Similarities
- Persistent
- Eager to find new challenges
Differences*
- Vast experience in the marketplace
- Low focus on people development
* Characteristics that the leader has and I
don’t.
Relentless
Finance Manager
3M Colombia

10. Its just work…
I learned from this leader that there are much terrible things
that can happen to anybody more than missing a deadline,
that you shouldn’t worry to the extreme when having issues
at work, and that the most important part of your life is your
family and your health.
Similarities
- Optimistic
- Teaching and developing oriented
Differences*
- Vast experience in the marketplace
- Charismatic with every person he works with
* Characteristics that the leader has and I
don’t.
Charismatic
Site Manager
3M Panama Pacifico