Viewpoint — January 2009
Everybody Can Make Hay While The Sun Shines
Written by Bob Gershberg, Managing Partner Dick Wray Executive Search
Small plates and small profits needn’t be the dominant industry trends for 2009 although I suspect tapas mania may be here to stay. As the dark clouds gathered through 2008 in both the global economy and our industry we did what any sane leaders might, we cut, cut, cut. Perhaps we needed to. Some would say we had gotten “fat and happy” in particular segments. Our menus were mired in mediocrity. We leveraged our companies to the hilt and in many cases lost our way in being true to our brands.
The opportunity to rebound with vigor is upon us. Great leaders will shine this year by remaining steadfast to the mission. Jeff Bezos’ passion never wavered in 2001 when Amazon lost $1.4 billion. As leaders we must roll up our sleeves, get back into the trenches and yes manage from bottom up. Innovation inarguably has made our nation and our industry great in the past and will surely be the path to glory for the future.
Be passionate about every move you make and that passion will trickle down throughout your organization like magic. If you note a bit of grey when looking in the mirror, be mindful of the fact that the Millennials are the future and they think a little differently. Accountability and transparency are not just buzz terms; they are the only way to drive the train and to gain the respect of your stakeholders. Be a role model and make certain your processes foster accountability and transparency throughout your organization.
Be collaborative; it is the most powerful management style. After all, President-Elect Obama picked Hillary as his Secretary of State. Our world is changing rapidly. Listening to fresh ideas will help in maintaining relevance.
Exude confidence and positive energy and by all means surround yourself with folks who do the same. In a world which has become overly complex, be a simplifier. 2009 can be a great year!
All the best,
Bob Gershberg |Managing Partner|
bob.gershberg@dickwray.com
(888) 875-9993 ext 102
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