There are dozens of books, hundreds of case studies, thousands of magazine articles, and countless Internet pages about leadership skills. Tom felt as if all a good leader needed to do was to learn from what everyone around him was saying.
Tom's greatest asset was his ability to spot the useful and good things others were saying. He could put their words and thoughts into action.
He might encounter a fellow who is especially graceful in handling a difficult person. He would take notes, observe the face-to-face encounter, and remember how intently the fellow was listening to the difficult person.
He said that leaders always seem to work much harder than everyone else does. Sometimes, he thought that perhaps they were trying to do too much. He made a mental note of when to delegate tasks if he were in their shoes someday.
Tom always liked to see a leader take the time to welcome new people personally. He felt that the personal touch was invaluable when building teamwork.
He never really liked politics, or the politics of being a good leader. Nonetheless, he knew this was another important aspect of leadership.
Whenever someone had a good idea, he would reach out to him or her. Chances were they were very happy to talk about their experiences and ideas.
He told me about a quote he liked. I'm not sure who said it first, but it goes something like this.
"We could learn a lot from crayons; some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, while others bright, some have weird names, but they all have learned to live together in the same box."
He said that quote summed up what he always felt about people. Whether he liked them or not; even if he did not knew them well; regardless of their gender, race, color, or creed; Tom said that everyone has something to contribute to leadership.
"All we have to do as leaders," he told me, "was to listen to them and take good notes."
It's a lesson learned that I'll never forget.