Love may make the world go round, but for Robert Ouimet, Chairman and CEO of Holding OCB Inc., Cordon Bleu International and Ouimet-Tomasso, it also makes for a sustainable company.
Ouimet spoke to Ivey MBA students on January 6 as part of a new Ivey course called Transcendent Leadership, which is led by Ivey Professor Mary Crossan. The course seeks to demonstrate how leadership transcends many levels – the organization, society and self – as leaders strive to “make a difference”. It was spurred by conclusions in Leadership on Trial: A Manifesto for Leadership Development, an Ivey report that concluded failures in leadership were the direct causes of the recent financial crisis and determined competencies, character and commitment are the pillars of good leadership.
For Ouimet, “making a difference” means giving back to his employees by getting to know them personally, encouraging them to contribute to the community, and providing a workplace setting conducive to inner peace. The devout Catholic has meditation rooms in all of his factories where employees can find serenity. The late Mother Teresa suggested the idea to him.
Likening the relationship between a manager and employees to a marriage, Ouimet said the same level of effort may be required to build relationships at work and create and sustain a good organizational culture. Ouimet has an unorthodox management style in his company based on authentic relationships, human values and spirituality.
“Authenticity is the most important quality in a CEO. It starts at the top of an organization, not at the bottom. You have to love each human being in your organization for the authenticity of it, not the productivity,” he said. “Look for managers that have a heart of flesh and not a heart of stone. When we have authenticity, we have an army that is difficult, if not impossible, to be defeated. Love works. Authenticity works.”
The practices in Ouimet’s organization reflect his value-centric approach to leadership. For instance, managers are instructed to go out anonymously twice a year to serve the poor in a community soup kitchen. The company also holds conferences with workers so they can discuss their concerns and challenges. Additionally, a contest is held each year with a prize of $1,500 for the worker who best exemplified efficiency while reinforcing human dignity.
In fact, Ouimet offered to pay part of the transportation costs for six Ivey students to visit one of his plants in Montreal, so they can witness his workplace practices firsthand.