Viewpoint
No War for Talent…..Start One!
Deteriorating performance during these turbulent times has led to aggressive cost cutting on the human capital front. Although this may well have been necessary to ensure current profitability or in many cases lighter loss, it is not the place to be in order to maximize recovery.
Management
Many years ago, I had the privilege to work for Dave Thomas at Wendy’s International and I learned that an economic downturn can be a rare opportunity to fix the broken parts (Dave used to call it the sales prevention techniques) of an organization, reduce all unnecessary expenses and get ready for the eventual increase that comes with all economic recoveries.
FYI Candidates
How to Prepare for the Ultimate Interview:A Guide to Preparing for the Full 360J
Landing an interview is a great step toward your new job. However, don’t be surprised if the company uses tag-team interviewing instead of the traditional one-on-one interview approach.
Executive Movements
SHARON FOGG, senior vice president of marketing for the 510-unit DEL TACO chain, confirmed on Thursday that she will step down this week to return to consulting work.
CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE INC. said Friday it named SANDRA B. COCHRAN executive vice president and chief financial officer effective April 6. In her new position, Cochran will oversee Cracker Barrel’s finance, accounting, strategic planning, investor relations and information services.
Financial Overview
Aggressive cost management and a focus on premium menu items helped CKE Restaurants Inc. realize fourth quarter net income that was nearly 26 times higher than the amount reported a year ago, officials said this week.
EL POLLO LOCO INC., parent company to the 413-unit grilled chicken chain, said it faces an uphill battle this year against slower traffic, which it blamed on higher unemployment and industry discounting.
MEXICAN RESTAURANTS INC., which operates 79 restaurants under such names as Casa Ole and Monterey’s Tex-Mex Cafe, swung to a loss in its fourth quarter on heavy impairment charges, the company said.
Leadership
Every business today is re-thinking its strategy and business model. Precipitated by the global recession, this reevaluation process is the subject of great discussion and debate within and across businesses and industries. However, my view is that a significant number of companies lack the deep talent necessary to effectively engage in an innovative re-invention of their business. If you do not have available the level and quantity of talent necessary to think and plan in a broad, creative, and fundamental manner, no amount of strategic techniques and brain-storming will help. Practical problem solvers and experienced operators will be able to reduce costs and increase quality and speed of delivery. However, if radical perspective shifting thought leadership is needed, those practical improvements may not prepare the company for sustainable success in an uncertain environment.
This Month's Hot Opportunities
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Luxury Hotel General Manager
- New York (Manhattan) - The hotel is currently being renovated and will open in the fall of 2009 with 190 rooms and anticipation of a 5 star luxury rating. The hotel will partner with a world renowned celebrity chef to operate its Food and Beverage outlets which include a restaurant, stand alone lounge, private dining rooms and an exclusive roof top patio. Guest Service will be the center piece of the experience and will have an uncompromising understanding that every guest has unique wants and needs and will deliver every interaction with the goal to exceed expectations with extra touches and memorable moments.
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- Under supervision of the Sr. Director OPS Strategy & Performance Management, and working in close collaboration with business stakeholders, this position will lead the evolution of the Global OPS Technology Grid to ensure the global integration of restaurant technology, business and data processes and vendor services that delivers best sustainable Technology services and programs.
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