Fujio
Cho, President of the Toyota Motor Company, is an exemplary leader. In Japan
the company has about a dozen plants, producing 3.5 million vehicles every
year. Seldom is Cho found in his office. He dedicates most of his time on
the floor of the plants, congratulating the working groups with the best
achievements. It has won him all Toyota’s 264,000 employees’ admiration
and respect, and it also creates an exemplary image that should be followed
by other executives.
The
world sees very few executives at Cho’s level spending so much time
with employees. Is it that companies have to be at the level of Toyota
to have these leaders? Or maybe Toyota is at that level because of the
practices of these leaders?
Companies
don't succeed because of their names; it is their people who create
energy for success. The success of a company is a direct result of
attitudes of the leaders who comprise it. We can all "make the
difference."
Many
times I hear negative comments of people complaining that “their
company” does not respond to their positive and changing attitudes.
Error:
We can All influence the results of the company. And, if by chance, the
company doesn't have the appropriate atmosphere and vision to capture and
take advantage of that positive energy, there is no problem. Get ready for a
better opportunity, because you will surely find it.
The
example of Fujio Cho is impacting. Managers from all over the world should
follow it if they want to meet the demands in the evolution process called
"World Class." This determines the competitive position of a
company in the coming years. This opportunity is in our hands, and we should
not waste it.
Here
is a few questions to ask yourself:
1.
- How well do you know your people? Do you know their names? Do they know
your face? Do they come and talk to you?
2.
- How do you show appreciation for the efforts of the people on your team?
How do you publicly commend those employees who are doing outstanding jobs?
3.
– Would you say that the atmosphere of your company is one of empowerment?
Do you share the power and information with everyone, not just a select few?
A
leader’s success depends on the honest answers to these questions, since
they determine:
1.
- How will your company do in the short and medium term?
2.
– What is the level of collaboration you will have from your labor force?
The
trend of the automotive industry has clearly defined the economy in the last
60 years and it will continue to do so. The arrogance of “the three big
ones” of America has blinded them. They don't seem to be willing to
change, and they continue to loose market share and prestige. The Japanese
industry, on the other hand, shares its “secrets” with everybody.
Determine
today what example you want to follow: that of the winners or that of the
losers. The industries of the world need Leaders, people who give authentic
support instead of orders; who model the behavior they want to see from
others; who encourage ideas and new ways of improving processes and
products; who “grow” new leaders for the future.
I
wish you a day of change and success, followed by another and another......
