Friday, September 19, 2008

DeVos cites leadership qualities

People sometimes ask Amway co-founder Rich DeVos how he and his longtime friend and co-founder, the late Jay Van Andel, built their business. His response:"We went to work every day."

Their work ethic and their ability to lead and motivate people were key to their success.
DeVos shared with participants in the regional policy conference this afternoon the characteristics he believes makes for great leaders:
  • A leader sets the tone, attitude and atmosphere in his community, business and home.
  • A leader has the ability to communicate well
  • A leader motivates people
  • A leader is a giver
  • A leader is a builder
Businesses aren't coming to Michigan because the atmosphere in this state is not good, DeVos said, and he said that's due to a lack of leadership on the part of Gov. Jennifer Granholm. The atmosphere in West Michigan, however, is favorable because people in this region work together to get things done: We have a more welcoming, nourishing atmosphere here, he said.
DeVos said future growth in West Michigan will be generated by the people who live here, as it has been in the past.

"The main thing to do is stop thinking that somebody is going to come in and build a big factory here and create a lot of jobs," he said. "We're going to do it. Growth is going to come from us and our children."

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