My Week with Richard Edelman: A Crash Course in Inspiration

Last week, I had the privilege of acting as Richard Edelman’s chief of staff, based in New York.  With his permanent chief of staff currently on maternity leave, Richard has chosen to have one senior representative from each of the “BRICC” countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China…and Canada – act in this capacity, on a rotating basis.  While I’ve worked for Edelman for almost 10 years, and over the years, have had several opportunities to interact with Richard directly, I’ve never literally worked by his side – until now. 

I knew that when I signed up for this gig, I wouldn’t necessarily be able to contribute in a truly meaningful way.  Just one short week doesn’t allow for the necessary time it takes to learn the ropes and understand the role you are expected to play, among other things.

Recognizing this, I wanted to use this opportunity to see Richard – one of the most admired CEOs in the U.S., and the man who has led the growth of his family-owned public relations firm into the world’s largest – in action.

Not only does he move – both physically and intellectually – at gale force speeds, he is constantly inspiring as he goes.  Here are just five ways in which Richard’s leadership inspired me:

1.      Using strategic vision to motivate and lead people into taking action:  Since his keynote address at the Institute of Public Relations annual dinner a few weeks ago, at which time he introduced the Nielsen Principles, he has challenged those within our profession.  He is committed to elevating the role that we can play within an organization, so that we have a say in determining company policy and shaping communications.  He will do whatever it takes to make this happen, of that, I’m sure.

2.      Absorbing and synthesizing information:  Richard is a voracious reader.  The information that he consumes constantly helps inform, shape and evolve his own thinking, as witnessed by his creation of the Principles, outlined above.  Current on topics from around the world, when asked to speak in different regions, he has the ability to make the content locally relevant and engaging.

3.      Empowering and listening to employees, regardless of level:  One of Edelman’s core values is entrepreneurialism, and it is truly embedded across the firm.  Jonny Bentwood, head of analyst relations and strategy in our London office, and creator of Edelman’s TweetLevel, happened to be in New York while I was there.  I witnessed a 15-minute exchange between the two men, during which Jonny presented his Topology of Influence, and the enthusiasm that Richard shared for Jonny’s latest thinking was infectious.

4.      Providing (un)solicited advice and counsel:  An ideas man, Richard, in any given situation – whether business or social – is very generous with his advice.  While accompanying him to a cocktail reception (which, I might add, we got to by subway, Richard’s preferred mode of transportation), I saw this firsthand.  With every guest with whom he interacted, Richard would offer a suggestion, an idea, or counsel on how that person, or the company to which that person was affiliated, may want to look at a particular situation or opportunity.  He did this in the most sincere way, and it was clear that the recipients of his advice welcomed it.

5.      Taking time for himself and his family:  Richard recognizes that to succeed in business is to succeed in life.  He speaks about his wife and children with deep affection, including literally counting the minutes until he got to see his daughter play in her basketball game.  He also takes care of himself physically, with regular exercise and more sleep, if needed (which was the case last week)!

So there you have it.  While this post might suggest that I got just five lessons in five days, the reality is that the learning could have been endless.  But what I did learn, I plan to apply in my own role.