When Lou Gerstner took over as CEO of IBM in 1993, he took the reigns of an old and prestigious institution with a rich history. Gerstner had no computer industry experience, but he did have deep leadership experience. And taking over at IBM he would need every bit of it: IBM had suffered a multibillion dollar loss and was burning cash.
“There’s been a lot of speculation as to when I’m going to deliver a vision of IBM [but] the last thing IBM needs right now is a vision,” Gerstner said at his first press conference. He needed to make some tough decisions and get the his new team members working together effectively – fast.
Despite the undeniable impact of sound leadership on the success of any organisation, there remains an apparent lack of understanding when it comes to the specific core competencies every leader ought to prioritise while carrying out their professional responsibilities. To be clear, this does not mean these leaders are wholly unfit or ineffective; instead, it only indicates that these professionals have not yet maximised their own potential or the potential of the organisation they are charged with leading.[Continue Reading …]
When it comes to the culture of your organisation or even your home two words—and the difference — couldn’t be more important: “insulated” vs. “insular”.
