SAP CEO Bill McDermott talked much more than just about data. One of his most compelling stories related to turning around Xerox’s lowest performing division and ending the year as #1. Who says success isn’t derived from leadership has his/her head buried in the sand.
The keys Bill described were quite simple: 1) Listen. 2) Provide the vision and goals. 3) Lead
We believe this proves the premise behind our newsletter, Profit through People – people are any organization’s #1 assets! Do you treat your people like assets? Or costs?
Bill said that the people at this division were quite disgruntled and specifically upset because the cost cutter that preceded him took away their Christmas party. So, he listened to what they requested – for him to communicate clearly what he wanted and for him to give them their party back.
The next day he stood before them and told them that he had booked the best place in town for the party, and he gave him his vision for the future. He accompanied that with the BIG goal of going from last place to 1st place by the end of the year. And then he supported them – and LED.
Guess which division ended the year in 1st place? Theirs!
As my HR mentor used to say, leadership will make or break success. Bill proved this theory. Will you?