Before the Title Comes the Depth

“Striving to become a worthy leader is to demand oneself: 有质 (a person of content), 有量 (a person of depth), and 又多闻 (a person of broad learning)."

Jerry Wu

Founder, JLT Capital

Senior Vice President, Lehman Brothers

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Written by: Luke Abernathy

Reflecting on a quote contributed by Jerry Wu for Lead Forward's Words To Lead By

Many people chase leadership titles before developing the inner qualities required to support the responsibility. Jerry Wu's idea reminds us that leadership is built on character long before it's built on position. Content, depth, and broad learning shape the kind of leader people respect.

Content means to have something meaningful within you, like honesty, patience, courage, and the readiness for continuous improvement. A leader who does not have these qualities may look great for a while but often falters when things get tough. Depth means taking time to reflect before responding, considering decisions carefully and not thinking that quick fixes are the best ones. Broad learning means remaining curious. It means reading different ideas, listening to people older or younger than you, and being willing to change your mind when you learn something new.

These qualities do not come all at once. They grow through habits: reading something challenging, asking thoughtful questions, owning your mistakes, and listening fully before speaking. They develop when you slow down enough to understand yourself.

People follow leaders who have done this inner work. They trust leaders who think carefully, who learn continually, and who show humility when they do not know the answer. 

Leadership is not about appearing flawless. It is about being committed to growth.

When a leader carries curiosity and character, his choices are steadier, his influence is stronger, and his presence brings confidence to those around him.