Company Description: DuPont Company is a $27 billion global science company.
Education: B.S., Howard University School of Pharmacy
J.D., Howard University School of Law
Department Size: 234
Immediate Prior Position: Chief Administrative Officer, DuPont Company
1. Please describe an attitude change or defining moment that was important to your career.
When I was uncomfortable about a situation, I found that it was important to have a relationship with someone I could talk to. Your immediate reaction may be defensive, so the other person’s response can be very constructive. When all is said and done, you have to deal with the question of “Am I crazy or what?” Someone needs to tell you that yes, you are seeing it right. So you get a rear-end approach that helps you both to mature and to be sure your career continues to develop.
2. What is the best career advice that you have ever received?
I have followed the advice that regardless of your goals, you should focus on the role that you are in at the moment, and doing your best in that position. Don’t look one level ahead or above. Your movement will take care of itself. So many people begin to position themselves for their next job. But if you do your current job well, you will already be positioning yourself. I read about the same principle in a GQ magazine article. It said that the best way to get ahead is to dress as if you are already there. Then you can concentrate on doing your job now.
3. How would you describe your management style?
First, it’s important that my team is clear about our objectives. Then, I assign responsibility and accountability, step back, and let people execute.
Of course there are touch points and fail-safe mechanisms to keep you on track and to prevent things from getting out of control. And you may have to alter some things. By assigning responsibility to your staff, you offer them the best way of learning. Some people will make mistakes, but that is part of the learning process. And it’s unlikely that a person will make the same mistake again.
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From the December 2001 issue of Diversity & The Bar®