Lessons from legendary companies (like 3M) that should continue to influence our decisions today.
In a world of rapid change and global challenges, successful leadership in 2025 requires a blend of timeless principles and forward-thinking strategies. At our recent company meeting, Paul G. Boynton, a former business leader at 3M and later CEO of Rayonier Advanced Materials, shared five individual characteristics that have stood the test of time in separating remarkable leaders from good ones. He explained how these qualities can help organizations achieve growth and resilience in navigating today’s environment.
The leadership characteristics Boynton shared are based on insights and observations made by Ron Mitsch, former 3M executive vice president of research and development, over his 40-year distinguished career at the company. Boynton tested these observations during his executive ventures and found them to be consistently proven traits of the best leaders. These qualities helped lead iconic organizations like 3M through significant challenges and provide a powerful framework for leaders across all industries.
The 5 characteristics of great leaders
Intelligence: Both IQ and EQ
Intelligence is foundational for leadership, encompassing both IQ (intellectual intelligence) and EQ (emotional intelligence). While seemingly “unfair,” remarkable leaders seem to have more of it than others, particularly flexing their EQ skills to unify an organization in positive directions, even in the murkiest environments.
Vision for the future
Successful leaders anticipate the future and position their organizations to thrive in it. In today’s business speak, these leaders can see around the corner of the future and put the organization in position to win in the marketplace.
Bias for action
Leadership demands bold and decisive action, even in the face of uncertainty. Leaders recognize that while quality data and analysis are critical to good decision making, it will never be 100 percent complete. Effective leaders connect the dots past the voids of unknown and take action, recognizing that protracted actions may be as detrimental as no action.
Effective communication: Both at scale and one-on-one
Communication is the backbone of effective leadership. A leader must have the ability to connect one-on-one with individuals on the team as well as clearly and persuasively with the organization and stakeholders as a whole.
Innovation: See things differently and swim against the current
Innovation is about challenging norms and embracing change. Great leaders analyze the surrounding environment, including competitive actions, and forge their own path, not simply following others’ actions.
Boynton shared that these leadership traits became evident as he observed the executive team manage 3M’s journey with Scotchgard products in its consumer business. When newly advanced testing revealed that the products’ fluorochemicals (PFAS) were persistent in the environment, 3M’s leadership faced a daunting challenge. In 2000, they ultimately decided to withdraw their consumer Scotchgard products from the market, despite the significant short-term costs, and then worked rapidly to develop safer, PFAS-free alternatives. The company put the consumer and the desire for the company’s long-term sustainability and continued success above the near-term pain. 3M leaders had the vision to see what was ahead, acted long before their competitors, and used their innovation engine to develop superior market alternatives. 3M reset the rules of the game before their competitors recognized the game was changing.
Apply these lessons today
These lessons are especially relevant as our team prepares to launch GO-Eco in 2025—leveraging this licensed, patented graphene oxide technology and its ability to greatly enhance barrier and strength properties in food packaging. When food packaging producers lost the ability to use highly effective PFAS chemicals due to significant environmental and health concerns, there was a huge void left in the market. GO-Eco, a natural carbon-based solution, has the ability fill that void. This innovation exemplifies our commitment to sustainability and aligns with the same five principles from 3M that have guided industry leaders for decades. Intelligence, vision, bold action, effective communication, and innovation are the foundation of our work and can serve as a model for businesses across sectors.
Closing thoughts
Boynton concluded his presentation with a timeless piece of wisdom from William McKnight, president of 3M in 1929 and chairman from 1949 to 1966: “If you put fences around people, you get sheep.”
This insight underscores the importance of empowering teams to think creatively, take risks, and lead with courage. It applied to 3M—it applies to us—and it can influence the success of all companies. By embracing these five principles, leaders can build resilient organizations that not only adapt to change, but drive meaningful impact for years to come.
About Inc. Magazine:
Inc. Magazine is a premier business media brand dedicated to inspiring and informing entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators. Renowned for its focus on growth, leadership, and the stories behind successful companies, Inc. highlights transformative ideas and influential voices across industries. We’re excited to share that Chang Robotics’ founder, Matthew Chang, is now a contributing author, bringing insights on robotics, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership to their readership.
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