New Merger Shaves Off 6000 Jobs...

I had to beat the rest of the publication industry to that one.. EXTRA EXTRA, read all about it.

What side of the fence are you on? Grow to be great, or Size is not a strategy.

What an interesting debate. This morning the merger between Gillete and P&G was announced. Hmm... quick side note.. what do you think they'll call the new Giant P&G&G? PG2?

Anyway, now that two of the largest consumer product organizations have joined at the hip, I come back to the concept of strategy. Is bigger better? Or will this become a whale that cannot negotiate corners very well...

Either way.. I'd hate to be the number 2 in the Consumer Product Category....the new giant is a new twist on the concept of a Category Killer - I think Colgate Palmolive just got Wal*Mart-ed.

Another BRIC in the wall...

It's amazing to hear good news about companies that were once underdogs.

I was really impressed to hear of a company that has posted 9.1 % growth in 2003, and beat it by posting 9.5% growth in 2004.

The company?? CHINA. The whole country. Yes, the GDP of China grew 9.5% in 2004.

Earlier this month, those of you who receive our LeaderShip Link publication learned of the rising power of the BRIC's - Brazil, Russia, India, and China.

Is your company keeping an eye on the developments in these countries? Are you?

In addition to the rise of China's GDP, the unemployment rate in Brazil is at an all time low, Volkswagen is considering building a plant in India, and the Russian aircraft industry is expecting to capture upwards of 15% of the international airliner production.

Just thought you should know. Now, back to work....

Bought in??

As I look through my to do list, I find myself staring down the barrel of a presentation on the concept of Leadership Branding. Having cut my teeth with a branding firm in a previous life, this is a topic that is near and dear to me.

Not to go off on a rant about any one company, or leader, however I do have to mention that yesterday, I watched a sales pitch on Enterprise Computer systems from HP. Who presented? Carly herself. Not the VP-Sales, or the Director of Enterprise Computing - the CEO.

What an amazing concept. Now, most of you are probably looking at this from the opposite perspective that I am. So let me clarify. I was impressed that Carly Fiorina was selling HP, not that HP was selling Carly Fiorina.

In recent years, high profile CEO's like Jack Welch at GE, and Herb Kelleher at Southwest Airlines have been billed as celebrity representations of their respective organizations. More recently, and from a Leadership Branding perspective, I am impressed that these CEO's are so proud of their organizations, that they practically insist (think Dave Thomas from Wendy's) on being the spokesperson.

Therefore, my rhetorical question of the day is this:

How strong a culture do these organizations have if the CEO themselves are the actual spokesperson?

If the Leader isn't in love with the company.. how can they expect the rest of the company to be?

The Art of Tripping

My mother is buying a treadmill. I'm going to help her pick it up tonight. Yes, it is New Year's resolution time again.

At the beginning of November, so many companies lock their doors, huddle around the boardroom table and hammer out their plan and budget for the next year. Reams of paper, dozens of pizzas/catered lunches later, you're ready. Profits up by 15%, revenues up by 20.. and so on..

So, how is it going so far? Have you tripped yet? Gone off your diet? Snuck that quick cigarette?

NOTE TO THE READER: Don't laugh at my next statement.

In a former life, I was a personal trainer. I know, it seems hard to believe. Ok, take a moment and chuckle... he he he...

Based on this knowledge, I have some serious understanding of resolutions. I also know that you have no idea how your organization's resolution..er.. plan is working so far this year..

All I ask is that you add to the overall plan some short term goals.. some quick wins. Make them fun, celebrate them. Have a company lunch. Yes, in January. You must have closed a deal, or opened a department.. or something.. right? right???

Plans are great. Make sure you don't get off course, get a buddy.. heck, call me... I have a resolution too.. I might need some help on mine.. To be honest...I'm not doing to well on mine.. only been to the gym once..

Be honest with yourself (your organization) - if you've tripped out of the gate on your 2005 plans.. TAKE ACTION NOW! Don't wait any longer.

If you've kept up your resolution.. let me know..

Mom, I'll be there at 7...