Management Monday:
What can Hershey teach us about managing our leadership qualities?
From the scrumptious milk chocolate Hershey’s we can’t resist at the check-out line on a weekly basis to the average $100.2 million dollars worth of Hershey kisses we purchase annually, there’s no denying the joy this chocolate brings to our lives.
Credit: Wikipedia
Ironically, these delectable snippets of chocolate goodness are resilient through time and have become icons for love in modern culture, which isn’t surprising when examining their origins: Milton Hershey.
Milton Hershey’s story is possibly the most inspirational in the candy business. Though we could never get enough of the tasty chocolate he left behind, there is more to be gained from Hershey’s legacy. As a game-changing entrepreneur, whose big heart could pry tears from a lion, his story is one every person should get the chance to hear.
Leadership Qualities of Milton Hershey:
Stick to your passion
There may be no better entrepreneurial example of an individual who never lost sight of their dream, than Hershey. According to Biography.com, at age 14, Hershey developed an interest in candy making and became an apprentice for a master confectioner in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. No matter the set-backs, he always remained determined to stay involved with candy-making, even though it didn’t yield great financial results until he reached his thirties. This is commonly a trait among highly successful professionals, because their passion fuels their hard work, which in turn yields positive results. Without pursuing what one loves, isn’t it nearly impossible to love life or find success?
Get up and try again
Those who think they’ve failed too many times to keep going, should think again. In chasing his dreams, Milton Hershey failed to successfully run two candy companies, before he founded Lancaster Caramel Company, which he later sold to launch the Hershey Chocolate Company. If there is one thing every good leader knows, it is to never, ever, stop trying. Continual effort and lessons learned are the foundations of innovation. The third time was the charm for Hershey, but the tenth time could be the charm for someone else. Overcoming obstacles, establishing vision and continual effort will pay off.
You’re nothing if you don’t love
Credit: Evan Carmichael
Milton Hershey planted so much love in the world, it’s almost overwhelming to process. We could talk all day about the role Hershey’s kisses play in loving relationships across various countries, especially on Valentine’s Day, but his mark goes even deeper. He was quoted for saying “One is only happy in proportion as he makes others feel happy” (Hersheystory.org). Hershey did not simply say those words, he lived them. He was known for his loving relationship with his wife of twenty years, Catherine. Beyond his daily interactions, Hershey poured love into serving others through his company and personally.
When times were tough during the great depression, Milton did not fearfully hold back his financial capabilities; instead he bravely made efforts to help those in need. In order to create jobs, he ordered the construction of a large hotel, a community building and new office buildings. Possibly the most touching act of love he shared with the world was his foundation of the Hershey Industrial School, a program for orphaned boys, to which he dedicated his entire fortune. If he could convey one important message to other leaders, it would likely be to make certain that love is at the root of every decision and every action.
If you’ve pulled out the tissues, don’t forget to grab a Hershey bar too, Hershey would want it to bring a smile to your face. Every leader who invests effort in understanding and encouraging others has the ability to create their own “Hershey Kisses Legacy,” they just have to live for their passion, keep trying and keep loving.
