Book Summary: Mind Your Own Business
The Maverick's Way: New Old Thing
What is effective? This is the question answered by the maverick. He
reconciles the good things from both the Old and New times, and focuses on what
is really effective in confronting the challenges of 21st century business
dealings.
A maverick thinks outside of the bed, knows that it pays to be daring, does
not allow technology to tyrannize, finds strength in diversity, maintains
balance and harmony among people, sets leadership by example, has a strong
ethical base, and values employees and customers. A maverick knows his
customers and believes strongly in his products.
To a maverick, a company is a not just a big candy store. It is a living
instrument with living human beings. It should have a HEART.
Keys to Leadership
The leader leads. He exercises critical judgment, which will have a great
impact on his people.
The leader defines the company. The leader's responsibility is to explicitly
present and advocate the company's purposes and goals.
The leader inspires. He gives sense and meaning to the job. He makes his
people realize, that beyond profit there is an underlying meaning, value, and
deeper reason for the work they do.
The leader should be the evangelist. He should be able to exercise his
influence, to sell the values of ethical conduct.
The leader must see the company as a coherent whole. He should be aware of
the diversity in the company and bring this together to promote the whole.
The leader must know that there is no better way to create a family in the
workplace than to encourage the family at home. Harman International introduced
the anti-domestic violence program in the company, which reinforces the idea
that the company cares.
The leader should never underestimate the value of disciplined hard work.
The leader empowers subordinates to do their jobs. He should institute
programs for the guidance and training of his people. He should always keep the
lines of communication open.
The leader promotes closure. He should know the right time to get things
done.
The leader knows what he doesn't know. The leader is not afraid to ask
clarifications, if he does not understand a particular subject.
The leader knows the meaning of two minutes. He should respect the time of
others and that of his own.
The leader teaches.
Above all, the leader develops others. As Lao Tzu advanced: 'the leader
having accomplished great things, the people all feel they did it themselves''
The very best leaders go beyond the mere setting of example. He should be
able to cause a leap of imagination and faith in his people.
The leader recognizes that people are often at their very best the moment
they have been let go. There are times when an employee doesn't like the work
anymore, or he is unable to appreciate how the whole enterprise works- this is
the time to set him free.
A Company Must Be Profitable
1. A solid financial base is fundamental.
2. Debt should not exceed equity. A debt to equity ratio of 1 to 1 or better
should be the goal, so that a company's leader and key executives do not spend
all their time on mere survival -paying bills, meeting the payroll, and keeping
the banks happy- but moving forward and meeting bigger challenges and doing
more visionary work.
3. There should be a regular process for annual strategic planning and
budget-planning.
The Fundamentals of Profit and Loss
1. Manage expectations, not the profits. Keep the shareholders informed, to
eliminate doubts of manipulating numbers.
2. The Chairman and CEO should be financially literate. They should know
what the numbers really mean.
3. Good growth and profitability requires the exercise of critical judgment.
The leader should make certain that the budget is one the company can live
with.
4. In repurchasing the company's own stocks, make sure that it will add to
the company's earnings.
5. Look into the availability of funds so that the balance sheet will not be
compromised.
Make an Edge in the Business World
1. Writing. It is a unique and powerful skill you can use for clarity and
persuasion.
2 Public Speaking and Story-telling. Speak directly, and without notes, to
your audience. Individuals respond to a well-told story.
3. Thinking. People do not respect sloppy thinking in a leader. Thoughts should be carefully considered then expressed directly, crisply, and clearly.
Summary By: Regine P. Azurin http://www.bizsum.com
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