# United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby's 13-Word Leadership Lesson

> United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby's 13-word leadership lesson shows how to balance business focus with daily operations.
- Title: United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby's 13-Word Leadership Lesson
- Summary: United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby's 13-word leadership lesson shows how to balance business focus with daily operations. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby used…
- Keywords: united airlines, scott kirby, ceo, leadership, business, 13 words, leadership lesson, United, Airlines, Scott, Kirby's, 13-Word
- Source: Inc — https://inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/with-13-words-united-airlines-ceo-scott-kirby-just-taught-a-brilliant-lesson-in-leadership/91421865
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: united airlines, scott kirby, ceo, leadership, business, 13 words, leadership lesson
## Scott Kirby's leadership insight
Scott Kirby, United Airlines CEO, said working on your business means doing big things that innovate, grow, and serve customers.

> One of the most poignant things anyone ever said to me as a business owner is that you want to work on your business, not in your business.
## The trap of daily tasks
The day-to-day becomes a trap when immediate challenges, payroll, and 85 zillion other things take over your focus.
## Kirby's 13-word lesson
Kirby used exactly 13 words to teach leaders how to balance business focus with daily operations.
## Kirby's background
Kirby previously faced being denied the CEO role at American Airlines but became a better leader at United.
## Kirby's leadership focus
Kirby believes it's fair to charge passengers more if they sit in a middle seat.
## The lesson's impact
This 13-word lesson shows how leaders can step back from daily tasks to focus on bigger business goals.
## Key takeaway

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby used 13 words to teach leaders how to work on their business instead of getting stuck in daily tasks.