Trench-Level Mentoring Not Seminar Delegation

“Working with Dan was a wholly different matter than working with Tom. Tom delegated easily, and did not always have time to work directly with me in getting things done. Dan, on the other hand, was involved on a much more granular level. He gave me more demanding assignments as the station grew and he enjoyed jumping into the trenches to work side by side when the need arose. We had great fun tackling a slew of challenges, for while there were signs one might call promising; the facts were that Dan inherited a station with lackluster ratings, meager revenues and spotty reception in many rural areas. Working on those problems with Dan was remarkable. And he took a keen interest in the development of my business management and leadership skills, personal maturation, and even my golf game! Like many who worked with and for him, I never stopped learning from Dan Burke. He also put up with Murph calling me away for special assignments … for a while, that is.”

“Do not let lack of experience stand in the way of hiring the right person. Counsel and work with subordinates. Don’t send them off to some seminar on decision-making or leadership. Be patient with the people who work for you. Let them make mistakes but expect them to be smart enough not to make the same mistake twice.””