Reinventing a Brand From the Inside: A Podcast with New Balance CEO Rob DeMartini – OC Podcast 016

 

 Reinventing a Brand From the Inside: A Podcast with New Balance CEO Rob DeMartini - OC Podcast 016: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Rob DeMartini is the CEO of New Balance.  New Balance is in the midst of a reinvigoration of its brand.  The company is over 100 years old, but is making some very interesting strides towards reestablishing itself as a premiere athletic shoe brand.  In this episode, we speak to Rob about leading this charge and what it is taking both inside and outside the company to make this change successful.

Contact
www.organizationalchampions.com
www.twitter.com/ThompsonOC
www.twitter.com/OrgChamps

Tags: athletic, CEO, conversation, leader, NewBalance, organizational, Podcast, shoe, webcast

The Organizational Champion Webcast – Ep. 02

 

 The Organizational Champion Webcast - Ep. 02 [35:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Show Notes:

IN THE NEWS:
It was a dry week for news stories.  We pored over endless news feeds this week and there was nothing there.  Where are the commentators and people with opinions and vision?  Where are the stories about exciting companies and visionary leaders?

EXECUTION V. VISION:
Which comes first vision or execution.  On first blush the answer may seem simple and straight forward, but not so fast.  Depending on the state of a company, and the state of the marketplace the best strategy may be to attack the problem backwards.  In our conversation today, we will explore both execution and vision and when to focus on each.

QUESTIONS and COMMENTS:
Questions from Twitter

CONNECT:
The Organizational Champion Blog – www.organizationalchampions.com
Follow Mike on Twitter – www.twitter.com/thompsonOC
Follow Murray on Twitter – www.twitter.com/murdog

We would love to hear from you if you have any questions or comments about the podcast. Our email address is podcast (at) organizationalchampions (dot) com.

SPONSORS:
The Organizational Champions Podcast is sponsored by www.ChampEm.com.
Production considerations for the Organizational Champions Webcast by www.sviworld.com.

Tags: aceto, CEO, champion, execution, ING, organizational, peter, Podcast, vision, webcast

Are the Best Leaders Likeable?

Business Pundit recently put out, yet, another article that suppresses the ideal of a charismatic CEO. Regarding the hiring of charismatic CEO’s, Business Pundit states, “It’s an attractive ideal that often results in disaster.”

I’m amazed at how often charisma is painted as a bad trait for CEO’s and executives. Editors and consultants are constantly highlighting the stories of the steadiest, unemotional and guarded CEO’s. We have labeled the best leaders as true book smart-academic-analyzers who are unable or unwilling to connect, socially.

Does guarded mean smart? Is a smart person unwilling or unable to connect socially? No. But in society, we love to label, and labels often stick – to our detriment.

There is no question that the most extraordinary leaders, smart or not, are likeable. And likeability isn’t represented by popularity seekers or political glad-handers. Likeability is represented by those who are genuine, trusted, inspiring, interesting, bold, vulnerable, and serving.

Compare these records:

In comparison, the likeable leaders were much more successful. Guarded CEO, Frank Lorenzo, led Continental Airlines into bankruptcy while Southwest Airlines thrives. Jerry Yang, the founder of Yahoo! was fired by the board because he was a passionless leader who was unable to connect. Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos connects to hundreds of thousands of people on the hour. Emotionally charged and transparent, Bill Walsh won three Super Bowls while Paul Brown won none. Both of these coaches competed for the same job in Cincinnati. Brown was hired because he was more guarded than was Walsh. Most of us know the amazing story behind humble man Sam who was often photographed on one knee surrounded by Wal-Mart associates. Contrast Sam with William Dillard II who is in constant battles with his executive board.

Likeability, approachability, charisma are important attributes for today’s leaders. Why? Because good PR plans can’t spin rotten personalities anymore. We are all the media, and words and reputations travel fast. Today, we are easily exposed.

If the CEO isn’t liked, the product brand is likely not liked.

Research supports the charisma argument as emotional intelligence quotient (EQ) is proving to be a far better predictor of success than intellectual quotient (EQ).

So how can you increase your likeability? Below are a few tips.

1. Know who you are and be that person. Don’t pitch yourself as something you’re not. Be authentic, genuine and consistent.
2. Fully invest in others. Make deposits in them, not just withdrawals.
   1. Know what people are great at and celebrate them often.
   2. Know what makes them come alive and enable more of those opportunities.
   3. Respect their unique style even though it might be different than yours.
3. Check your motives. Don’t pursue purely selfish motives. But rather, pursue mutual benefit, always.
4. Inspire others by taking more time to be inspired yourself. Invest in opportunities that stretch you emotionally and spiritually.
5. Do the right thing.

Tags: approachable, bold, CEO, charisma, emotional, EQ, geniune, inspiring, intelligence, interesting, leader, likeable, service, serving, trusted, vulnerable