“Great people make companies great, and a huge part of any company’s culture is its diversity across a wide array of factors…You need to hire people who compliment your weaknesses, not just those who mirror your strengths.” – Greg Gilmore, CEO, Planview[1]
If there’s one thing Greg Gilmore knows, it’s that his employees matter. It’s something that’s always on his mind—are they excited and inspired by the work they’re doing? Are they being challenged? Do they understand how their work contributes to the company’s overall strategic goal? Gilmore understands how critical it is to have a strong organizational culture, particularly within a company facing rapid growth and comprised of people from all around the globe. It’s something he cultivates daily to keep people energized and drive employee engagement. It’s no wonder he has been named Best CEO in the large-company category by Austin Business Journal.
Having been with Planview for 22 years, Gilmore has weathered many a storm, but has always led the organization through to success with a steady hand. He’s been a guiding force through rapid organic growth, eight acquisitions, and even being acquired by two separate high-profile private equity firms. All in a day’s work, right?
Well, with Gilmore, you might think so. At the helm of an expanding organization, Gilmore is an exemplary model of what it looks like to lead with a level head and to always remain humble. Never does he appear frazzled or “too busy” to engage with his employees. He makes himself accessible to everyone in the organization, always walking the halls with a smile on his face and greeting everyone like a friend. Such behavior is the backbone of Planview’s culture—it’s what fosters an environment in which everyone feels like family.
Finding the right leadership style
Of course, being CEO of a large organization isn’t easy. There are countless challenges that will inevitably appear along the way, but what matters most is how they are dealt with. In his interview with Austin Business Journal, Greg Gilmore provides insight in just how to be an effective and successful leader:
- Define your strategy and leadership model and determine how you’ll monetize your business model. “If any of these are in conflict, even the best strategic decision will fall short of meeting your expectations and maximizing outcomes.”
- Hire employees who have the right character. “It is hard to drive an energizing, engaging culture where you have a lack of integrity and character. We value character more than anything.”
- Ensure alignment across the organization. “At the end of the day, it is all about our employees and making sure they understand how what they do contributes to our overall strategic direction.”
- Be intentional about segmenting your time. “If you can’t delegate, you’ll spend your time trying to do everything instead of focusing intentionally on [strategy, resources, and results].”
Last, but certainly not least, Gilmore advises everyone to take time to recharge. For him, “that’s time with my family and time outside of the office, making sure I build in time to keep the fuse lit.” Work hard, do your best, but remember to keep your priorities straight. You must take time out for yourself. Only then can you be the most effective when you’re in the office.
To read the full article on Greg Gilmore and his Best Large Company CEO win, sign up to read the Austin Business Journal. In it, Gilmore shares much more insight into leadership, challenges, and employee engagement. All of us here at Planview congratulate Greg on his well-deserved win and thank him for his phenomenal leadership.
[1] “Best CEOs 2018: Greg Gilmore is a steady hand in a fast-paced tech world.” Austin Business Journal,4 Oct. 2018, www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2018/10/04/best-ceos-2018-greg-gilmore-is-a-steady-hand-in.html. Accessed 19 Oct. 2018.
