Alan Mulally of Ford Motors sees 50% growth from the emerging markets of China,India and Africa. They are increasing small car models from five to fifteen in China and from three to eight in India.In an earlier post this blog had discussed about how Mulally reduced complexity at Ford and it seems that the currentContinue reading “Why Ford Motors strategy on emerging markets and small cars is great for 50% growth”
Category Archives: Leadership and Management
What has Oprah’s last show got to do with B2B/Supply Chain Relationships? : Validation
Humor aside, one has to give it to Oprah: 25 years, over 4000 shows, millions of fans for a black woman who would have been at the maximum a “school teacher in a segregated school”(by her own words today) has a huge message for business. Oprah said that every one of her thousands of guests over 25 years had only one need. That was a need to be heard,understood and where possible appreciated or validated. This need irrespective of whether they were weak or strong, rich or poor.
Internet increases complexity for the supply chain
The Internet is great as it allows search engines (Google,Yahoo,MSN etc.) and social media (Facebook,Twitter) to create algorithms that deliver personalised content to the Internet user. Based on this highly segmented audience search engines and social media can now provide highly segmented and "customized" advertising targets. Advertising is cost efficient and highly effective because nowContinue reading “Internet increases complexity for the supply chain”
Jack Welch GE’s 4 E and one P curve
Update and Caution: August 10, 2022: We are both elated and worried about the wild popularity of this post. Serious questions are being raised about Jack Welch’s style, as depicted in this post. See recent criticism by David Gelles in “The Man Who Broke Capitalism: How Jack Welch Gutted the Heartland and Crushed the Soul of Corporate America―and How to Undo His Legacy.” Some GE managers who worked during Welch’s time seem to agree though ex-Home Depot CEO Bob Nardelli is still a steadfast supporter of Jack Welch’s leadership style. Welch was widely considered the manager of the century. The Jack Welch century was the 20th Century. Do check out what seems to be working in leadership in 2022.: Leadership Style 2022: Jack Welch or Satya Nadella?
To evaluate managers GE started a system of differentiating managers on performance but were hard pressed to identify the characteristics that differentiated managers on the “Vitality” curve which is essentially a “grading” curve or graph for managers. The word “vitality” is confusing because it refers more to being vital or essential to the organization rather than being “vital” in the “having high energy” sense. In fact,”Energy” is one of the 4 E’s but let’s go over the 4 E’s of GE leadership briefly:
Linkedin IPO success could mean dis-intermediation of the headhunter/recruiter
The enormous success of the Linkedin IPO is shocking to some as Linkedin revenues for 2010 was $243 million with a profit of only $15 million and the company is valued at almost $9 Biliion! Half of the Linkedin revenues came from recruiter advertising and it sure means changes for the recruiter/headhunter businesses. Don't getContinue reading “Linkedin IPO success could mean dis-intermediation of the headhunter/recruiter”
Who is the “customer” in education?- well the next link in the supply chain…
The employment situation in the US is not getting better, particularly for young people out of college.And this brings us to the "Who is the "customer"in education?" question. It is certainly not the student as the authors suggest and the simple answer from this blog's pont of view is the next link in the supplyContinue reading “Who is the “customer” in education?- well the next link in the supply chain…”
2011 Yale Consumer Insights Conference brings academics and practitioners together
With 28 presentations packed in one and a half days the 2011 Yale Consumer Insights Conference was once again a great opportunity for academics and practitioners to share insights. This year the focus was on: Social Media Maximizing Brand Performance Marketplace Impact New Product Innovations Competitive Marketing Strategies Understanding Customer choices Check out the 2011Continue reading “2011 Yale Consumer Insights Conference brings academics and practitioners together”
End of Osama Bin Laden great endorsement for American spirit
Scenes of crowds of mostly young people cheering outside the White House even before President Obama’s address should assure the world about the spirit of America. This spirit was hugely evident, despite the massive deficit, unemployment, and concerns about future American economic competitiveness. Truly the killing of Osama Bin Laden is a great endorsement ofContinue reading “End of Osama Bin Laden great endorsement for American spirit”
What do you know about Rakesh Kapoor of Reckitt Benckiser?
I am surprised at the the approach of Bloomberg who seem to somehow underestimate Rakesh Kapoor as a CEO succeeding Bart Becht at Reckitt Benckiser. Normally this blog stays with stuff in the public domain out of respect for privacy. But I guess CEO's of major companies are public figures and this being a timeContinue reading “What do you know about Rakesh Kapoor of Reckitt Benckiser?”
How did Lowe’s at Raleigh NC save customers from the tornado? Store manager as ship captain
At a DIY store like Lowe's or Home Depot all customers see themselves and others as experts of some sort. So as the tornado is at the front door and Lowe's managers are trying to get everyone to the rear of the store and safety, a customer yells that "this is no tornado" and peopleContinue reading “How did Lowe’s at Raleigh NC save customers from the tornado? Store manager as ship captain”