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| 2006
EMBA Convocation Video |
William
A. Osborn '73
Keynote
Speaker
online
video |
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EMBA Convocation
accents power of team to drive success
By
Matt Golosinski
Northwestern
University's Pick-Staiger Concert Hall is the place to hear
a pin drop in the silences between the orchestral passages
typically conducted there.
But
on June 10 the acoustically perfect hall erupted with cheering
family and friends as 123 new graduates of the Kellogg School's
Executive MBA Program strode across a stage bedecked with
summer flowers. The applause added to the celebratory air
of a classical quintet playing during the EMBA Convocation's
processional.
"Future
leadership ... is in good hands with all of you," proclaimed
William A. Osborn '73, chairman and CEO of The Northern
Trust Corp., in his address.
In
his introductory remarks, Kellogg School Dean Dipak
C. Jain acknowledged the importance of ethical behavior,
teamwork and knowledge acquired at Kellogg. Also important
was what he called a "key part" of the Kellogg program:
"friendships with classmates ... who will be with you
for the rest of your lives."
Reflecting
on the last five years, the dean recalled several challenges,
including the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, corporate scandals
and the start of the Iraq War. He said strong teamwork is
essential to overcome adversity.
"The
support of that team will always be greater than the forces
[confronting you]."
Osborn
offered graduates recommendations gleaned from his 37 years
in banking and investment. His observations ranged from defining
leadership ("someone who knows the issues and is out
there helping people grow and making a difference ... not
sitting back in an office") to the value of difficult
times ("you must be tested under fire ... under uncertainty").
The
CEO told graduates to be prepared to manage interpersonal
and analytical skills, cultivating a caring personality and
respect for others.
"Keep
your ego in check; nobody knows it all," he advised,
saying that leaders "shine by reflected light,"
permitting their teams to share in the responsibility and
rewards of a job well done.
Equally
important is keen analysis, said Osborn: Leaders must understand
the numbers that are the foundation of an organization. "Financial
acumen is something people think they can put aside and let
the CFO handle," he said. "Not true."
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