Want to help someone? Shut up and listen!

The innovation blog

That is the confrontational message with which Ernesto Sirolli, who runs a non-profit organization (http://www.sirolli.com) that has helped start 40,000 businesses in 300 communities around the world, challenges today’s managers. 

The inspirational Italian advocates what some management theorists call “servant leadership” where a boss, rather than leading his staff like a general in battle, is more of a facilitator, helping staff achieve their goals. Sirolli says: “You don’t just impose your ideas on people. You get rid of your saviour complex. You listen. The passion that somebody has for their own growth is the most important thing.” He defines his aim as a leader as helping people acquire the knowledge they need to succeed. In an age where everything from big data to open innovation is being trumpeted as the crucial competitive edge, maybe the real “killer app” for businesses is the passion of their employees.