The overarching theme of Hicks' leadership approach is that it's not about the leader; it's about the people. He shared,"I tell people all the time that I don't actually do anything. My job is to make sure we have the right people, with good direction, plans and resources, but it's the people who do it. They're the ones who drive our business. If I don't show up for a day, the company will still move along fine.
Instead, he tells me, he asks questions like,"What'd you do today? What'd you accomplish? And do you feel good about it?" Rather than the reflexive,"Everything's fine," Hicks' questions prompt reflection."They think about it," Hicks tells me."When they tell me that they processed a difficult account or whatever they did, I have the opportunity to let them know that I appreciate what they accomplished and why it's important.