Learn from Jean-Pierre Garnier

Head of GlaxoSmithKline's thoughts

On Leading
I get people aligned with the passion I have and that they can be part of an exciting venture. It's very important to state the goal in terms that are exciting. If you say "Let's get another two points on margin", they won't follow.

On Delegation
My biggest work challenge was when, for the first time, I had more than one layer of management and I could not just go into everyone's office. Suddenly I had to work through others. If you don't [acquire that skill], you are limited in your ability to drive a large organization.

On Inspiration
My heroes are not CEOs. The person I really admire is the blue-collar worker who puts his kids through college then dies on heart attack. I have met lots of famous people - they put on their pants in the same way as everyone else.