Today, as the president of Equitable, in charge of the company’s Retirement, Wealth Management and Protection Solution businesses and its Marketing and Digital functions, Lane keeps score using a different criteria, one he also learned at Princeton playing under legendary coach Bill Tierney.
“The role of a leader is to make people better,” said Lane. “What truly made Coach Tierney special, and I think this is true of all great coaches, was that it wasn’t just about winning the games. He wanted to change people’s lives.” And it was his coach’s notion of keeping score by the impact you have on people that Lane also extended to his own career in business.
“What do you do for the American public? What do you do for your clients? How are you helping them be successful in their journeys?” asked Lane.
By now, it should be clear to readers that Lane is a strong proponent of servant leadership, the practice of taking responsibility for your team’s success, while, in turn, holding individual team members to a high level of accountability. Like a great coach, a great business leader makes people better by setting a certain tone, helping teammates develop their individual skills, setting goals for the team, and helping every team member believe in the team’s purpose—and in each other.
In the podcast, Lane shares lessons learned not only on the lacrosse field and C-Suite, but also as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps, where he was responsible for a wide range of logistics, training, and other areas.
To be a good servant leader, said Lane, you keep score differently. “Your communication skills or industry knowledge don’t matter as much,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what culture you’re in. If people see that you care, they will follow you.”
Equitable is the brand name of the retirement and protection subsidiaries of Equitable Holdings, Inc.
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
Sign up to receive Don Yaeger’s weekly leadership contributions, and be the first to listen to new Corporate Competitor Podcast episodes.