Unilever CEO Remains Focused On Long Term Despite Recent Profits Warning

Unilever CEO Paul Polman said the company’s recent profits warning will not stop him from taking a long-term approach to doing business. Describing an effective leader as one who is comfortable with what he or she is and is an authentic person, Polman said he sees nothing wrong with crying when he needs to cry and that it shows he cares. Polman also said the ability to work with others requires leaders to have humility and a high level of self-awareness. Effective leaders should be able to build trust, and only those who do not fear transparency can encourage other people to trust in them, Polman added.