Leadership Lessons from the Andy Griffith Show

“Do a good day’s work and act like somebody”

-Andy Griffith

What Would Andy Do?

Like  so many Americans, I am feeling a bit of sadness and a touch of nostalgia at the news of Andy Griffith’s death today.   His most famous role  as Mayberry’s old-fashioned leader, makes us think of (or long for) a simpler time… (although we all know no time is really simple).

So, I dedicate this post to Andy Griffith, and some tidbits I may have picked up on leadership from watching his show:

• Take time to understand the whole situation before reacting
• When your partner is freaking out, get even calmer
• With careful words, you don’t need a gun
• Go slow and explain things
• Empower others to do the right thing (even Otis would self-regulate under his leadership)
• Have a really strong support team (I am still in search of an Aunt Bee)
• It’s okay to take your kids to work now and then, let them understand what you  do
• And sometimes, your best bet is to say a prayer.