Leadership lessons from the CEO of Mattel
03-Sep-2009
Bob Eckert, CEO of Mattel, was interviewed in Fortune Magazine in August 2009. Here’s a summary:
Try starting from scratch
Be open to starting over - instead of building on previous decisions. Early in my tenure the company was struggling financially. We'd been paying a dividend of 36¢ a share every year, and were borrowing money from banks to pay dividends to shareholders, which doesn't make a lot of sense. I said, "We have a blank sheet of paper. Let's do the right thing" so we cut the dividend to 5¢ a share. The day we announced it, the stock price didn't go down, it went up.
Don't put off layoffs
If you have to make employee cuts, just get on with it. Procrastination isn't good for anyone.
Mind the generation gap
When it comes to managing ‘twentysomethings’, remember: With an iPhone and Google, they can get to the truth in about two seconds. So don't try to give them a snow job.
Research before hiring
When you're considering hiring someone, find out whom you both know and phone that person for his or her perspective on the applicant.
Always make an outline
Whether you're preparing for a small meeting or addressing a large gathering, do an outline of what you want to cover.
Run efficient meetings
Do the preparation work before having a meeting - it will pay off. Send out materials in advance. Make sure everyone reads them, and use the meeting to focus solely on the topic at hand.
Enforce punctuality
One of my colleagues locks the door at the meeting start time. Trust me, no one ever arrives late a second time.
Target your message
When giving a speech, focus on the audience. Most people spend too much time on what they want to say instead of on what the audience needs to hear.
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Stephen Lynch
Chief Operating Officer - Global Operations
RESULTS.com
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