HOWARD'S RULES- OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES.
Early in his career, Howard Lester jotted down seven principles that eventually came to be known as "Howard's Rules". These rules speak to his beliefs; the need for vision, the disdain for arrogance, modeling of honesty and integrity, reverence for the accomplishments of associates, and above all, a belief in the value of the customer, "because without them, nothing else matters". Originally intended as guiding principles for his own behavior, still today, these "rules" guide the entire Williams-Sonoma, Inc. organization and are integral to the rich culture that Howard helped to build. These guiding principles offer insight into his dedication to world class customer service and his steadfast vision for the company.
As Chairman and CEO of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. from 1978 to his retirement in May 2010, Howard Lester transformed business operations, evolving our company from one brand with four stores and $4 million in annual sales into an international specialty retailer. Mr. Lester served President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board, and Chairman Emeritus.
1. Without vision it is very difficult to provide leadership to a company of any size. Dreams are important, never stop having them.
2. Arrogance is a terrible thing – do not confuse competence or confidence with being arrogant. Arrogant people are unable to understand their own shortcomings and therefore don't work to improve.
3. Be self-critical – the best leaders are always focused on improving. They know what is missing and are fanatical about making corrections.
4. Revere and celebrate your associates and their accomplishments. Remember, they did the work, not you. You may have thought of what needed to be done and provided the leadership, but they did the work and are proud of the accomplishment. Give them the credit.
5. Integrity and honesty in everything you do sets the standard and example for all around you and creates the culture of an organization.
6. Always judge your performance by how your customer judges you. Customer metrics are far more important than company metrics. Without customers, nothing else matters.
7. Be continually focused on what can be rather than what is. We either lead or follow. It is better to go where no one has gone than where many have been before.
- Howard Lester (1935-2010)
As Chairman and CEO of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. from 1978 to his retirement in May 2010, Howard Lester transformed business operations, evolving our company from one brand with four stores and $4 million in annual sales into an international specialty retailer. Mr. Lester served President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board, and Chairman Emeritus.
1. Without vision it is very difficult to provide leadership to a company of any size. Dreams are important, never stop having them.
2. Arrogance is a terrible thing – do not confuse competence or confidence with being arrogant. Arrogant people are unable to understand their own shortcomings and therefore don't work to improve.
3. Be self-critical – the best leaders are always focused on improving. They know what is missing and are fanatical about making corrections.
4. Revere and celebrate your associates and their accomplishments. Remember, they did the work, not you. You may have thought of what needed to be done and provided the leadership, but they did the work and are proud of the accomplishment. Give them the credit.
5. Integrity and honesty in everything you do sets the standard and example for all around you and creates the culture of an organization.
6. Always judge your performance by how your customer judges you. Customer metrics are far more important than company metrics. Without customers, nothing else matters.
7. Be continually focused on what can be rather than what is. We either lead or follow. It is better to go where no one has gone than where many have been before.
- Howard Lester (1935-2010)