Group items tagged

« A Different Davos | Main February 13, 2009 How To Push Back Constructively It has been a strange week for the business community on both sides of the Atlantic. Big bankers from the US and the UK were called before their legislators, who were venting public frustration over huge pay packages, constipated lending and opaque use of government bailout funds. It is important that companies learn how to play a new game, to dance the tango with a newly aggressive partner, namely government. Here are the four steps to a more equal relationship with the big-footed dancing companion: 1. Explanation and Contrition-No forward movement is possible in this relationship without an examination of the past. Companies should be willing to acknowledge misjudgment, and yes, even error. There should be lessons learned, policies amended, personnel changed in the process. The more specific the information, the more likely it is to be credible. For example, "We anticipated that the maximum decline in housing price would be 20% but the decline has proven to be 35%." There must also be a clear statement of contrition, not a fuzzy "once in a lifetime market circumstances". Executives should acknowledge personal failure and apologize to shareholders and employees alike. 2. Appreciation for Change from Shareholder to Stakeholder-CEOs must change from a uni-polar world of investors and analysts to a broader definition of audiences that puts employees first in line in the need to know. There should be a recognition of implication for society in any action, from reduction in force to decision to relocate production to another facility. 3. Presentation of Long Term Vision-The company needs to solicit buy-in for its future direction. Rather than keeping strategy as a matter for the board of directors alone, the CEO should share the vision with its broader publics. This will enable its new investor (government) to have the public support for a long-term view instead of b

Time to be Frank » So Much to Say So Little Time So Much to Say So Little Time December 7, 2008 I have had 3 posts I having been trying to get the time to put together, but it just seems to be tough finding the time to do it right. I want to write about the automotive requests for bailout. Sorry @ScottMonty, but I think bankruptcy is probably the only answer, especially for GM. I also wanted to post a cool presentation on engagement in social media. Of course that is an easy one to embed, I just have not gotten around to it. So I apologize for being so busy. Today's post is really just a random vent. Partially due to changes in society and the way sometimes people over react. Now before I vent about what occured I want to say that I actually love the day care that we take Robyn and Lily too. They are Children of America. In the past we used Malvern School which we really found to be horrible. After investigating numerous options we did come to the realization that Children of America was the right choice. Even after today I still firmly believe that. We also like everyone of the teachers, including the one that this post is about. The director of the center is phenomenal, which is not a compliment I would pay to many people. She is a strong leader and a Customer advocate. She also is great at dealing with the parent, kids and employees. Frank Eliason Time to be Frank » So Much to Say So Little Time. Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Beyond Google - Zimbio One for the best pages on Zimbio ! Down To Business: Google's Schmidt: An Economic Solution Is Within Our Grasp Now that bailout is the new black in tony economic circles, is there any limit to the government's role in propping up companies and markets? Google CEO Eric Schmidt calls for a "balance" between the simplistic … From rss.topix.net via Topix. (November 29, 2008)

Born in Detroit 72 years ago and also spending many years in the textile industry ! I can under stand the Civil War Republicans defending their Confederate Chrisitian Values ! Huntin Fishing Prayin Hangin ! If in fact unions from Michigan were to Invade the South and organize plants that produce Dr Pepper and Moonpies ! The price of these Goodies might increase and the folk's at Toyota Mercedes and BMW would need a increase in pay that is now comporable with the northern union members ! After wandering through the wood dressed out like a tree and killin a Baar-nothing like a refreshing Dr Pepper and a Moon Pie !

All Fall Down !