I had the chance to hear Millard speak here in Boston to a small group of CEO entrepreneurs and it was riveting. I had last heard Millard 7 years ago at a conference tell his story about the founding and building of Habitat. Today, I heard him tell the story of the re-birth of the values of Habitat in a new organization called The Fuller Center for Housing.
Quick Background on Millard and Habitat and his new Gig
- Gave away all (all) of his money in the early 60’s (millions) to save his marriage. His wife told him, you either give it all away or I am leaving.
- Sole founder of Habitat nearly 30 years ago with a BHAG — that everyone deserves an opportunity to live in decent shelter.
- Grew Habitat to $1 billion non-profit, having built 1 million homes in 100 countries
- Fired in 2005 by the board on trumped up charges that they later recanted on in writing.
- Honored by Bill Clinton as the one person who has revolutionized the concept of philanthropy. Partnered with Jimmy Carter. Awarded a special honor by George Bush Sr.
- Started FullerCenter for Housing and in 18 months is building houses in 16 countries, with special emphasis on Katrina relief.
Millard’s Learnings for us CEO’s
What I found most inspiring about Millard, beyond his obvious integrity and compassion for the poor, was his boundless entrepreneurial spirit with which he infected us.
- Walk the faith/foolishness line
- “Never hold back in your faith until you cross the line of foolishness. For example, committing to build 10 houses in a week was faithful; committing to build 20 in that same timeframe would have been foolishness.”
- On pay in the non-profit world:
- “Salaries should not be why people come or leave. Pay people adequately so they can live, but incentivize them so they can thrive.”
- On transparent financials and pay scales:
- “If someone complains about this, tell them, that you can always lower their salary until they are no longer embarassed.”
- On the need for constant communication with your employees:
- “People tend to be down on what they are not up on.”
- On Management and Leadership
- Both are needed but are very different — Leadership focuses on the dynamic where Management focuses on the pragmatic.
- On Boards:
- Don’t let your board get out of control. Stepping back does not mean stepping off. Remain true to your vision. The corporates overwhelmed his board, which had been heavily comprised of pastors and builders.
Millard has written 10 books and I highly recommend picking one up if you have the CEO/entrepreneur bug in you.