Wall Street Journal, October 31, "Ford Lays Bet On New Truck By Rehiring 1,000 Workers."
In this era of organizational frailty and financial panic, Ford is putting its best foot (er, truck) forward and has made a statement of confidence and strength. Why not?! ?
The American public responds well to statements of confidence and strength. The F-150 has been a solid product for Ford--ranking high in customer satisfaction among truck-buying consumers for years. Falling gas prices will certainly help. The credit markets are loosening. Chrysler and GM seem to be floundering. The timing is perfect.
But, what is so brilliant about this strategy is that its not just a product strategy, it is also a human capital strategy. As Chrysler and GM lay-off their employees and are scrambling to find money in order to stay afloat, Ford is demonstrating confidence in its bestselling truck line and will be rehiring workers--not just a few, but 1,000 workers.
Ford's strategy is what we would expect from an American company. Ford's move is very likely to inspire people to buy American--and to buy Ford.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Falling stars...
One of the lead articles in the October 24 Wall Street Journal reads, "...Greenspan Admits Errors to Hostile House Panel." I guess the next article could be titled, "House Panel Calls for Greenspan to be Burned at the Stake."
Alan Greenspan's leadership as Chairman of the Federal Reserve was unsurpassed in its excellence. He was expected to maintain that delicate balance between growth and inflation, which he did brilliantly. He had an "E.F. Hutton" quality--and was deeply admired. Now, all of a sudden, the brilliance has been dimmed to a "shadow of shame." The House Panel's questioning was harsh and demeaning. Mr. Greenspan did not engage in any illegal activity during his tenure as Chair of the Fed. He is being taken to task for not predicting this "perfect storm."
While holding leaders responsible is important--it bothers me that this House Panel is engaging in fingerpointing and seems to be searching desperately for a "fall guy." Members of Congress are leaders who are just as responsible for steering the country along an even course.
While everyone is upset and frustrated by the state of the economy--Mr. Greenspan was not the source of the problem. Moreover, I doubt that anyone would have listened to him if he had recognized the problem and attempted to rein the financial markets in a bit. He simply would have "fallen from grace" sooner.
Alan Greenspan's leadership as Chairman of the Federal Reserve was unsurpassed in its excellence. He was expected to maintain that delicate balance between growth and inflation, which he did brilliantly. He had an "E.F. Hutton" quality--and was deeply admired. Now, all of a sudden, the brilliance has been dimmed to a "shadow of shame." The House Panel's questioning was harsh and demeaning. Mr. Greenspan did not engage in any illegal activity during his tenure as Chair of the Fed. He is being taken to task for not predicting this "perfect storm."
While holding leaders responsible is important--it bothers me that this House Panel is engaging in fingerpointing and seems to be searching desperately for a "fall guy." Members of Congress are leaders who are just as responsible for steering the country along an even course.
While everyone is upset and frustrated by the state of the economy--Mr. Greenspan was not the source of the problem. Moreover, I doubt that anyone would have listened to him if he had recognized the problem and attempted to rein the financial markets in a bit. He simply would have "fallen from grace" sooner.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
What $10 will get you...
On October 16th, I learned "chacha" and how to text Google! That, by itself, was certainly worth the $10.oo that I spent to hear Jason Ryan Dorsey, "The Gen Y Guy,"speak at RHRMA's October meeting. I was blown away by this speaker. It's obvious that he's been an inspiration to many.
Jason conveys his "generational" message with great humor and over-the-top energy. At the tender age of 29, he is quite accomplished. He wrote his first book when he was 18--"Graduate to Your Perfect Job." Many schools, colleges and workforce program require students/participants to read this book. He's been a guest on 60 Minutes and the View!
Hearing Jason speak about the characteristics of the various generations is hilarious! There was a nice sampling of all generations in the room. No one was untouched by this dynamic speaker. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.
If you ever get the opportunity to hear Jason speak...trust me, you should go!
Jason conveys his "generational" message with great humor and over-the-top energy. At the tender age of 29, he is quite accomplished. He wrote his first book when he was 18--"Graduate to Your Perfect Job." Many schools, colleges and workforce program require students/participants to read this book. He's been a guest on 60 Minutes and the View!
Hearing Jason speak about the characteristics of the various generations is hilarious! There was a nice sampling of all generations in the room. No one was untouched by this dynamic speaker. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.
If you ever get the opportunity to hear Jason speak...trust me, you should go!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Salvaging a vote...
"He's not the McCain I endorsed." "He has an opportunity to step up and be a forceful leader during these challenging times," said Ron Kaufman, a veteran party operative who also worked for Romney. "McCain got the nomination because that's what his brand is, but somehow it's gotten muddled." These quotes greeted me this morning as I read the news on AOL.
Upon opening the The Wall Street Journal this morning, a front page article, "In Virginia, McCain Struggles to Hold the South for GOP" jumps off the page.
Virginia has turned gray on the national map!
Many of us will be voting the person (albeit imperfect)--not the party this year and that does not bode well for John McCain. However, I'm hoping that my vote can be salvaged.
I need to see real leadership from Senator McCain--not desperate measures, not a phony "Mr. Nice-Guy" attitude. Does a confident demeanor count? Yes, definitely! John McCain looked timid and very uncomfortable during the last debate. Does charisma count? Yes, definitely! Senator Obama is an engaging speaker--even if his message is slightly off-key for me. I realize that trying to convert John McCain into a confident yet relaxed, engaging and charismatic speaker isn't going to happen.
But my vote could be salvaged by real leadership. Throw down some crumbs and I'll follow the trail to the polls. What would I will need to hear AND see...
Upon opening the The Wall Street Journal this morning, a front page article, "In Virginia, McCain Struggles to Hold the South for GOP" jumps off the page.
Virginia has turned gray on the national map!
Many of us will be voting the person (albeit imperfect)--not the party this year and that does not bode well for John McCain. However, I'm hoping that my vote can be salvaged.
I need to see real leadership from Senator McCain--not desperate measures, not a phony "Mr. Nice-Guy" attitude. Does a confident demeanor count? Yes, definitely! John McCain looked timid and very uncomfortable during the last debate. Does charisma count? Yes, definitely! Senator Obama is an engaging speaker--even if his message is slightly off-key for me. I realize that trying to convert John McCain into a confident yet relaxed, engaging and charismatic speaker isn't going to happen.
But my vote could be salvaged by real leadership. Throw down some crumbs and I'll follow the trail to the polls. What would I will need to hear AND see...
- Specific details about his plan to right the economy
- Realistic and honest answers about who he will surround himself with if elected so that he can to solve the problems
- Specific details about how he will solve problems with the Democrats as the majority party in Congress
- Reasons we should trust a long-term senator that cannot boast of significant accomplishments to demonstrate why he is more prepared to solve problems than his opponent
Will John McCain step up to the plate and show me that he can be a forceful leader? If he is saving his best for last...it may be too late.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Dodging Questions and Half Truths
Did you watch any of last night's Presidential debate? If only managers and supervisors could get by with dodging questions, answering a different question than was asked, and, when they answer the question at all, respond with half truths! Not really. Is it unrealistic to expect the two candidates vying for the most powerful leadership position in the world to provide full and truthful answers to the questions asked? Apparently it is unrealistic--and that's very disappointing. I was particularly struck by the finger-pointing about the current economic problems our country. Senator Obama attributes the failing economy to President Bush and Senator McCain. However, the deregulation that is partially to blame was "championed by President Clinton" (Richmond Times-Dispatch, October 8, 2008). Even if the deregulation occurred during President Clinton's terms in office, could he possibly have envisioned the greed and recklessness that would grip Wall Street? Would it have been reasonable to expect him or anyone to anticipate this problem? What is much more striking to me is that several years ago, both Senator Obama and Senator McCain realized the problems that were emerging--and both tried to intervene; however, neither was successful--and that's telling. Who really is the right candidate for the job? The leader that can bring truly bring all parties together to find solutions to these troubling times. I haven't seen him or her yet.
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