Leadership: an antidote for dysfunction
Tom Bata Sr. the former CEO of Bata Shoes (a multi-billion dollar, privately held business), came from twelve generations of shoemakers. During our first meeting he declared, “I was born to shoe mankind”. His passionate “statement of purpose” still energizes Bata factories and retail outlets around the world.Companies that have not clarified a meaningful purpose are vulnerable. Humans are herding creatures at heart but because we are also thinkers, we must constantly remind ourselves and others that there is a purpose for being together. Shared purpose is the foundation upon which winning teams are built. Employees who are passionate about the output of their group will contribute with head and heart, as well as their hands.
The antidote:
- Clarify your company’s purpose
- Signal your passion for the purpose (with walk and talk).
- Stop activities not aligned with your purpose.
- Get employees involved.
- Eliminate attitude cases and bum-draggers.
- Build a “purposeful” history by encouraging story-telling.
- Celebrate success along the way.