Top Herb Kelleher Quotes That Will Inspire You

Herb Kelleher, the co-founder and former CEO of Southwest Airlines, was known for his innovative and unconventional approach to business. His leadership style and unique perspective made him one of the most successful and admired entrepreneurs in the aviation industry.

Throughout his career, Kelleher shared his wisdom and insight through memorable quotes that continue to inspire and motivate people today. These quotes not only showcase his wit and humor, but also offer valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, leadership, and the importance of a positive corporate culture.

One of Kelleher’s famous quotes is, “If you create an environment where the people truly participate, you don’t need control. They know what needs to be done and they do it. And the more that people will devote themselves to your cause on a voluntary basis, a willing basis, the fewer hierarchies and control mechanisms you need.” This quote highlights Kelleher’s belief in the power of empowering employees and fostering a sense of ownership within the organization.

Another inspiring quote from Kelleher is, “You have to treat your employees like customers. When you treat them right, then they will treat your customers right.” This quote underscores the importance of valuing and appreciating employees, as they are the ones who directly interact with customers and represent the company’s brand.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply looking for inspiration, these top Herb Kelleher quotes are sure to ignite your passion, challenge your thinking, and motivate you to create a positive impact in your own sphere of influence.

Herb Kelleher’s Wisdom and Inspiration

Herb Kelleher, the co-founder and former CEO of Southwest Airlines, was known for his wit, wisdom, and unconventional leadership style. His quotes continue to inspire and motivate individuals from various walks of life. Here are some of Herb Kelleher’s most insightful and inspiring quotes:

“Your people are your single biggest competitive advantage. They are not a line item on your budget. They are your culture and the lifeblood of your organization.”

“We have a strategic plan. It’s called doing things.”

“The business of business is people. Yesterday, today, and forever. And Southwest Airlines will be profitable as long as we remember it.”

“We have a ‘no jerks’ policy. If you’re caught being mean-spirited to one of your colleagues, customers, or suppliers, you’re gone.”

“You don’t hire for skills, you hire for attitude. You can always teach skills.”

“If the employees come first, then they’re happy. A motivated employee treats the customer well. The customer is happy so they keep coming back, which pleases the shareholders. It’s not one of the enduring green mysteries of all time, it is just the way it works.”

“It’s important to celebrate your people and let them know they are appreciated. Happy employees lead to happy customers, and happy customers lead to a successful business.”

“You have to treat your employees like customers. When you treat them right, then they will treat your outside customers right. That has been a powerful competitive weapon for us.”

“Always think about what is best for the customer and how you can improve their experience.”

“We will hire someone with less experience, less education, and less expertise than someone who has more of those things and has a rotten attitude. Because we can train people. We can teach people how to lead. We can teach people how to provide customer service. But we can’t change their DNA.”

These quotes by Herb Kelleher are a testament to his focus on people, his emphasis on company culture, and his belief in the power of happy employees. They serve as valuable lessons for anyone looking to achieve success in business and in life.

The Power of Passion

Herb Kelleher believed that passion was a driving force in achieving success. He emphasized the importance of being passionate about your work and credited Southwest Airlines’ success to the passion of its employees.

According to Kelleher, passion ignites creativity and innovation. When you are passionate about what you do, you are more likely to find new and better ways to achieve your goals. Passionate individuals are not content with the status quo; they constantly strive to improve and innovate.

Passion also fuels perseverance. When faced with challenges and setbacks, it is passion that keeps you going. It gives you the energy and determination to overcome obstacles and achieve what others may deem impossible.

Furthermore, passion is contagious. When you are truly passionate about something, it inspires and motivates those around you. Kelleher believed that a passionate leader could ignite the passion in their team members, creating a culture of enthusiasm and drive.

Ultimately, Kelleher believed that passion was the key to not only achieving success but also finding fulfillment in your work. He encouraged individuals to find their passion and pursue it relentlessly, as it is through passion that great things are achieved.

Embracing Change and Challenges

Herb Kelleher understood the importance of embracing change and challenges in order to succeed. He believed that change is inevitable and that it is important to adapt and evolve as circumstances change. Here are some inspiring quotes from Herb Kelleher on embracing change and challenges:

• “You have to be willing to embrace change, take chances, and take risks. If you don’t take risks, you’ll never know what could have been.”
• “Change is not a threat, it’s an opportunity. It allows you to grow, to learn, and to become better.”
• “Embracing change means embracing progress. It’s about constantly learning and finding new ways to improve.”
• “Challenges are what make life interesting. Without challenges, we would never grow, we would never become better versions of ourselves.”
• “Don’t shy away from challenges. Embrace them, tackle them head-on, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.”

Herb Kelleher’s quotes on embracing change and challenges serve as a reminder that change is inevitable and challenges are opportunities for growth. By embracing change and facing challenges with determination and resilience, we can achieve great things in both our personal and professional lives.

The Importance of Customer Service

Customer service plays a crucial role in the success of any business. It is not just about resolving customer complaints or answering their queries, but it is about going above and beyond to exceed their expectations.

When customers receive exceptional service, they are more likely to become loyal and repeat customers. They will talk positively about the business, recommend it to others, and even defend it in case of any negativity. On the other hand, poor customer service can drive customers away, tarnish the brand’s reputation, and result in negative word-of-mouth.

Providing excellent customer service requires a deep understanding of customers’ needs and preferences. It involves listening actively, empathizing with their concerns, and addressing them promptly. It means treating every customer interaction as an opportunity to build a relationship and create a positive experience.

Herb Kelleher, the co-founder of Southwest Airlines, understood the significance of customer service. He once said, “Success is making people happy.” Kelleher believed that focusing on delighting customers was the key to success in the highly competitive airline industry.

Exceptional customer service can also differentiate a business from its competitors. In today’s crowded marketplace, where products and prices can be similar, it is the quality of service that sets a business apart. Customers are willing to pay more for a product or service if they know they will receive exceptional service.

Investing in customer service training and empowering employees to make decisions can lead to positive outcomes. When employees are knowledgeable and have the authority to solve customer problems, it creates a sense of trust and satisfaction.

In conclusion, customer service is not just a department within a business; it is the lifeline that helps a business thrive. It has the power to turn dissatisfied customers into loyal advocates and attract new customers through positive word-of-mouth. By prioritizing customer service, businesses can build lasting relationships, enhance their reputation, and ultimately achieve long-term success.

Leadership and Teamwork

Herb Kelleher was not only a visionary leader, but also a strong advocate for teamwork. He believed that to achieve great success, it is important to foster a sense of team spirit and collaboration among employees.

Kelleher once said, “The difficulty of teamwork is often underestimated, but the value of teamwork is immeasurable.” This quote encapsulates his belief in the power of working together towards a common goal. He understood that a strong leader is not someone who simply gives orders, but someone who inspires and motivates their team to perform at their best.

In order to achieve effective leadership and teamwork, Kelleher emphasized the importance of creating a positive work environment. He believed that by creating a culture of trust, respect, and open communication, employees will feel empowered to collaborate and contribute their ideas.

Kelleher also recognized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of the team. He once said, “The best way to motivate people to perform is to praise their accomplishments publicly.” By acknowledging the efforts and successes of the team, Kelleher believed that it would not only boost morale, but also inspire others to strive for excellence.

Additionally, Kelleher believed in leading by example. He once said, “I have always tried to lead by example. It is not enough to talk the talk; you must walk the walk.” He believed that true leadership is demonstrated through actions, not just words. By showing integrity, humility, and a strong work ethic, Kelleher inspired those around him to follow suit.

In conclusion, Herb Kelleher believed that effective leadership and teamwork are essential for achieving success. Through his quotes and actions, he emphasized the importance of collaboration, creating a positive work environment, recognizing achievements, and leading by example. His leadership philosophy continues to inspire leaders and teams around the world.

Taking Risks and Pursuing Excellence

“The business of business is people.” Herb Kelleher understood that taking risks and pursuing excellence were essential to achieving success in the business world. He believed that it was important to challenge the status quo and not be afraid to try new things.

Kelleher once said, “We have a ‘strategic’ plan. It’s called doing things.” This quote emphasizes the importance of taking action and not simply planning. Kelleher believed in taking bold risks and being willing to make mistakes in order to learn and grow.

Another notable quote from Kelleher is, “You don’t hire for skills, you hire for attitude. You can always teach skills.” This demonstrates his belief that finding employees who were passionate and dedicated to their work was more important than hiring based solely on technical abilities. Kelleher understood that excellence could be achieved through a motivated and enthusiastic team.

Kelleher’s commitment to taking risks and pursuing excellence is evident in the success of Southwest Airlines. He built a company that revolutionized the airline industry and consistently provided exceptional service to its customers. Kelleher’s leadership and willingness to embrace innovation allowed Southwest Airlines to thrive in a competitive market.

In conclusion, taking risks and pursuing excellence were key principles for Herb Kelleher. His quotes serve as a reminder to always push boundaries, have a positive attitude, and strive for greatness in everything we do.

Living Life with Humor and Fun

Herb Kelleher, the co-founder of Southwest Airlines, was known for his larger-than-life personality and ability to find humor in any situation. He believed that life should be lived with a sense of joy and laughter, and he carried that philosophy into every aspect of his life.

Kelleher once said, “We take our jobs seriously, but not ourselves.” This quote encapsulates his belief that while it’s important to work hard and be dedicated to your profession, it’s equally important to have a sense of humor and not take yourself too seriously. Kelleher was known for his quick wit and ability to make people laugh, and he believed that humor was an essential part of creating a positive and enjoyable work environment.

Another one of Kelleher’s famous quotes is, “We have a ‘fun’ button at Southwest, and we encourage employees to ‘engage’ it as often as possible.” He believed that injecting humor into the workplace not only made it a more enjoyable place to be, but also improved productivity and fostered creativity. Kelleher understood that a little fun could go a long way in boosting morale and creating a sense of camaraderie among employees.

Kelleher’s lighthearted approach to life extended beyond the workplace. He once said, “The business of business is people, so why not have fun while you’re doing it?” He believed that finding joy in every aspect of life, including business, was the key to happiness and success. By approaching life with a sense of humor and fun, Kelleher was able to build meaningful relationships, inspire those around him, and create a lasting legacy.

In conclusion, Herb Kelleher’s quotes about living life with humor and fun remind us of the importance of finding joy in our daily lives. Whether it’s through injecting humor into the workplace or approaching life with a lighthearted attitude, Kelleher’s philosophy inspires us to live life to the fullest and always find a reason to smile.

Leaving a Legacy

Herb Kelleher, the co-founder and former CEO of Southwest Airlines, left behind a remarkable legacy in the aviation industry. His leadership and unconventional approach to business have inspired many and continue to shape the way companies operate today.

One of Kelleher’s most famous quotes is, “The business of business is people.” He believed that putting people first was the key to success and built a company culture around this principle. Southwest Airlines became known for its exceptional customer service and high employee satisfaction, which set it apart from its competitors.

Kelleher’s legacy is also evident in his commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. He once said, “We have a strategic plan. It’s called doing things.” This mindset encouraged employees to always look for ways to improve processes, find creative solutions, and stay ahead of the competition.

Another aspect of Kelleher’s legacy is his emphasis on having fun and creating a positive work environment. He famously said, “If you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong.” Through his leadership style, Kelleher showed that work can be enjoyable and productive at the same time.

Additionally, Kelleher believed in empowering employees and giving them the freedom to make decisions. He said, “If you create an environment where the people truly participate, you don’t need control.” This approach led to a more engaged and motivated workforce, resulting in better outcomes for the company.

Overall, Kelleher’s legacy is one of putting people first, fostering a culture of innovation, promoting a positive work environment, and empowering employees. His quotes and leadership philosophy continue to inspire and guide businesses around the world, leaving a lasting impact on the aviation industry and beyond.