The Great Leadership of Charlie Munger: Sharp. Right to the Point. And Right.

“I believe in the discipline of mastering the best that other people have ever figured out.

I don’t believe in just sitting down and trying to dream it all up yourself.

Nobody’s that smart…”

– Charles T. Munger

At the end of 2023, we lost amazing business leader Charles T. Munger.

The quieter long-time partner, confidante and friend of Warren Buffett, the two men built investment powerhouse Berkshire Hathaway with common sense, integrity and a savvy eye for investing in under-valued companies.

Charlie was wise, direct and very funny, as I learned while attending the Berkshire Hathaway AGM some years ago. I had been looking forward to hearing Warren Buffet but came a way inspired by Charlie.

“The best thing a human being can do is to help another human being know more.”

During Q&A sessions, he would respond to questions with one, well-crafted sentence, making a very strong point and the whole audience laugh.

During a session break, Warren said that he had to apologize for his friend Charlie – that he had probably insulted half of the audience but not to worry, because the rest would get their turn after the break.

Inspiring authenticity

It was wonderful to see such successful business leaders who were truly authentic. People who were experienced, confident and relaxed enough in their knowledge and leadership to be themselves – to be funny in an environment where there’s often a formality of language and posture.

That authenticity gave us all a sense of who they really were as people, and I found that relatability refreshing and inspiring. A truly great example of leadership.

You can read more about Charlie here in a recent Forbes article, which talks about the “mungerisms’ that had an impact on the author as well as the investment community at large: Remembering Charlie Munger: Five of His Most Important Pieces of Advice.

“Those who keep learning, will keep rising in life.”

There’s a lot to be learned from people who have accomplished spectacular things in their lives. From Charlie I took away with me his ability to answer questions very accurately, succinctly and with humour; and how he was a such spectacular partner for Warren Buffet.

Remembering him now makes me contemplate how I could better leverage better Charlie’s style of communication and be a better partner for our team and our clients.

The Challenge

• How might you be a better partner for customers, your team and the people in your life?

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