Every month, Mark Gulling, president of global business services and chief information officer at MeadWestvaco, holds a "straight talk" meeting with employees.
It's a chance for staff members to ask questions about whatever is on their minds. The discussions can be difficult, and some have revolved around layoffs or other cuts.
"The formula I have is really simple -- it's one of honesty," Gulling said.
"I tell them every single thing I can tell them as soon as I can, but I never speculate."
Making difficult decisions, being honest and treating employees with compassion are hallmarks of a good leader, Gulling and others said yesterday during a RichTech breakfast meeting at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Business.
The topic: building tomorrow's leaders.
"You really have to respect people," Gulling said, talking about his own leadership style to a crowd of about 130 people.
RichTech, formerly the Greater Richmond Technology Council, held the meeting to discuss what makes a good leader and how to foster that growth.
Challenging assignments, mentoring and training are just a few of the ways, said Jean B. Gasen, an associate professor in the VCU information-systems department who is also an executive coach.
Contact Emily C. Dooley at (804) 649-6016 or edooley@timesdispatch.com.
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