Herb Kelleher, the founder and Chairman Emeritus of Southwest Airlines, passed away today (January 3rd, 2019). Herb was among the greatest examples of servant-leadership in business. The man was a legend, yet remained humble, always shining the spotlight on his team. He lived life to it’s fullest and left a path for others to follow in his footsteps- however giant they may be. He inspired an entire generation of servant-leaders and left the world better than he found it.
I will always be grateful for the examples he set and the evidence he delivered: proof positive that servant-leadership makes great companies and even better people.
Thank you, Herb. We will miss you, but appreciate that even you needed rest.
For more on Herb:
- Steve Jobs vs. Herb Kelleher – Hero Worship vs. Servant-leadership
- Southwest Airlines 2011 Results Reflect Benefits of Servant Leadership
Herb Kelleher Quotes
As a small tribute to the great servant-leader, here are some of our favorite Herb Kelleher quotes:
“If youâre crazy enough to do what you love for a living, then youâre bound to create a life that matters.”
“Leading an organization is as much about soul as it is about systems. Effective leadership finds its source in understanding.”
âA company is stronger if it is bound by love rather than by fear.â
“You donât hire for skills, you hire for attitude. You can always teach skills.”
“Power should be reserved for weightlifting and boats, and leadership really involves responsibility.”
âThe core of our success. Thatâs the most difficult thing for a competitor to imitate. They can buy all the physical things. The things you canât buy are dedication, devotion, loyaltyâthe feeling that you are participating in a crusade.â
âYou canât really be disciplined in what you do unless you are humble and open-minded.”
“If you create an environment where the people truly participate, you donât need control.”
âThe essential difference in service is not machines or âthings.â The essential difference is minds, hearts, spirits, and souls”
Image Credit: Original image from Southwest.com, modified to include his quote.
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