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Great Leaders Are Made, Not Born

Learning to Lead�

Recently, Jack Lupo was bestowed the honor of Dean of Facilitation, Auto University.

As Jack received his cap and gown in a regal ceremony, I stopped to reflect on the series of events that helped to shape this moment�and this leader.

Jack Lupo has not only been a valued and gifted disseminator of information, he�s been a trusted friend these past twelve years. There�s the first value. Leaders can be trusted.

I first met Jack in 1993 at Bob Sellers Pontiac in Farmington Hills, Michigan, where I quickly recognized his desire to come aboard our team. He�d been a lifelong learner who longed to share his knowledge with others, as well as expand his horizons. And there�s the second value... Leaders never stop learning.

Jack had "been there" and lived in the real-world car business. For those of us in the industry, we know there�s no substitute for experience. Relevant experience is vital to earning respect on the showroom floor and in the service drive, especially in moments of crises. Leaders must have earned respect and that comes from real-world experience.

Over time, Jack grew to become a trainer of the highest caliber, possessing the qualities necessary to impart his knowledge to the retail automotive masses. He was soon traveling the globe, helping others rise to the top of their profession. Jack Lupo is a great communicator. And leaders must be great communicators.

Now mind you, Jack was never the quickest "out-of-the-gate". It usually took him a little more time to grasp hold of a new message, as he needed to question its very fabric and relevance. However, once he embraced it, it became his gospel and his message.

And that was possibly the greatest quality we saw in Jack Lupo, the leader. "Stay true to what got us here." Real leaders stick to their beliefs. And they never waver.

As Jack received his cap and gown, I realized how the Auto University team has come to embrace him as their trusted leader, their life-long learner, and their great communicator. These are the qualities that got him here�. and the qualities he will continue to impart to a new generation of professionals entering our industry.

Caps off to you, Jack Lupo! You�ve earned it!