Season 2; Episode 10: Lessons on Leadership from the Great Depression with Edward Shrigley

For this last episode of Season Two, I have a surprise guest I am especially honored to introduce you to: my grandfather, Edward Shrigley. I wish I could interview my grandfather for this episode. But he died at 96 years old when I was just 17. So instead, I’m excited to tell you a few personal stories about my grandfather’s leadership during the Great Depression. My dad, Jim Shrigley and I did some research together where we pieced together some of these stories. 

Key Takeaways from this Episode

Edward Shrigley’s five leadership principles:

1. Integrity and trustworthiness are foundational

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  • He convinced people to keep their money in the bank because he cultivated trust and demonstrated integrity – before, during and even after the Great Depression. The quality of his relationships was critical to his success.
    
  
  
  

2. Shared sacrifice for the common good can lead to prosperity for all

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  • People bought into his vision that, if everyone sacrificed for the common good, each of their individual decisions would eventually lead to prosperity for all. And while asking others to sacrifice, he was also willing to sacrifice by voluntarily giving up his salary for ten years.
    
  
  
  

3. Focus on achieving short-term results without abandoning long-term goals

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  • He made the connection between short and long-term results – keeping the bank solvent now, allowed the bank to pay its depositors in the long run.
    
  
  
  

4. Continuously and constantly communicate with your stakeholders

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  • My grandfather relentlessly and tirelessly communicated with his stakeholders for over ten years of uncertainty and hardship.
    
  
  
  

5. Hold fast to the belief that hope, and persistence will contribute to success

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  • His belief in the future of the bank enabled him to be persistent and to never give up hope. It was the fuel that drove him day to day, year to year.
    
  
  
  

To learn more about my work in executive coaching, leadership development and team effectiveness check out my website, connect with me on LinkedIn or email me at winnie@winnifred.org.  

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I look forward to sharing another transformative conversation with you next week!

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