Advice from D’Alessandro

David D’Alessandro retired as CEO of John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. in 2004.  His rise to the top was an unorthodox one---from advertising manager to chief executive officer.

In an On the Hot Seat interview recently with Boston Globe Reporter Kimberly Blanton D’Alessandro talked about his management style and his third book.  Blanton asked him what advice in his book was critical to his success.

D’Alessandro’s answer: Listen carefully! Watch people closely! Recognize your employees don’t love you!  They may not hate you, but they don’t love you.  For them it’s a job---a career---not a family.  They are there to help you achieve.  You are there to get them to do that and in turn be rewarded for their efforts.  Don’t ever lose that perspective---it’s about results---not pretend relationships.

SOURCE: On the Hot Seat column (September 7, 2008), Boston Sunday Globe