When you are the problem...

Hi,

What do you do when you are the problem? I know of two cases in which the most senior marketing executive is the blockage to progress. Both lead dysfunctional teams that are divided into warring camps. Both organisations are struggling to meet their objectives. In one case - an agency - it's new business hit rate is dismal. Getting in the door, but failing at the presentation, led by the boss. ("He comes across as a used car salesman," said one prospective client.) The other guy is so out of touch with the principles of team building that he alienates his younger colleagues by making pronouncements as if they were law, refusing to share the evidence he says he has for his position (leading to suspicion that there is none).

More than any other corporate function, marketing is about team and team is about leadership. A leader needs a healthy ego to take on the job. But you also need a good dose of self critique daily because staff worried about their job security aren't going to deliver it. It takes a high degree of emotional intelligence to judge your own performance objectively and accept a negative report.

It's lonely at the top. A leader needs a feedback loop: a mentor who is close enough to the business to detect the subterranean rumblings, but far enough away to be able to see the whole picture. Someone you can trust to give you the bad news.

Cheers!

Michael Kiely


Email response:

Hi Michael,

I have just signed up for your daily 'thoughts' and I love them! They are always useful and relevant. Yesterday's thought I found particularly interesting...

I am currently working in an organisation which has great potential but I feel is being managed in the exact way you describe below - divide, conquer and burn people out in the process. Do you have any practical advice (short of leaving the company) to deal with managers like those in your email? Pointing out problems with the current system and coming up with alternatives doesn't seem to be working.

Thanks

Nat
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Michael

Totally agree about Bob Ansett - great thought for the day.

Cheers

Shaun

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Hi Michael,

Great to hear someone revering Bob Ansett, I had the please of working for him for many years and miss his entrepreneurial leadership and zealous dedication to the customer. Having worked all over the world and for many different companies and management styles I must say Bobs code of marketing conduct still guides my personnel beliefs. I recall fondly one of his catch cries (possibly a quote from another inspirational person) "do the ordinary things extraordinary well" !

PS I read with interest your 57deadly marketing mistakes, I was delighted to read something objective and 'real" that mirrors many of my own thoughts! I applaude you for your passion!

Viva BOB viva Kiely

Christopher