Recalibrating Madness into Reality!
12/30/02
Alfred Chuang, CEO of BEA Systems Inc. in San Jose, CA, has a unique way of looking at his role as a leader: "My job as BEA's CEO is to recalibrate the madness into reality. It is my responsibility to ask, 'Okay, what do we have to do to maintain the best conditions for our employees and shareholders?' The obvious first step is cost trimming. Next, I believe we can refocus by increasing communication within the company. In fast-growth times, it's easy to hear the message that we're doing fine. But in a difficult economy, people need to hear what we're working on, what we want to leverage, and what management thinks about where we're heading."
As we end 2002, what a great mission: Recalibrating the madness into reality! To a certain extent that is what good leaders do. They help make sense out of chaos. Even if their window to the world is not totally accurate, it still helps people come to grips with the challenge of moving concern into constructive actions. People want to know what strategic goals show promise and how they can fix their own efforts to those promising stars that are on the rise. People want to know some success stories about their peers; they want to hear positive gossip about teams who are making a difference for customers who count. People also want to know that their leaders believe in the future and the organization's place in that future. Do what you can this week to keep hope alive in the midst of the madness. Celebrate the past successes and put the focus on victories yet to come.
MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT
So many liked our product labels from last week, JanKRD@aol.com provides this weeks mirthful moment...some more actual warning labels from consumer goods:
* On a lawnmower...
"Warning: When motor is running, the blade is turning!"* Seen on the bottom of a Coca-Cola bottle...
"Do not open here."* On a bottle of spray paint...
"Do not spray in your face."* On a bottle of bathtub cleaner...
"For best results, start with a clean bathtub before use."* Found on a can of Woolite carpet cleaner...
"Safe for carpets, too!"* Seen on a container of salt...
"High in sodium"* On a baby stroller...
"Remove child before folding."
When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...