Resilience: The Ultimate Competitive Advantage – How Lego Transformed from Near Bankruptcy to Global Powerhouse
Florin LunguWhat is the most important thing an organization can be? Some will say “profitable” because they are bottom-line-oriented. Some will say “prominent” because they are image-oriented. Still others might say “powerful” because they are impact-oriented. There are as many answers to this question as there are people to answer it. But if you ask Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, he will say the most important thing an organization can be is resilient, because he is transformation-oriented. Knudstorp’s story begins with the Lego Group – yes, the same Lego Group that produces the famous block toys. Legos are absolutely everywhere nowadays – nearly 20,000 playsets, 220 million sold each year. In 2022 alone, the Lego Group earned more than $9 billion in revenue. But the company was not always this successful. In fact, in the early 2000s when Knudstorp became the CEO of the Lego Group, it was failing fast. The organization finished 2003 writing off a loss of $220 million. Something had to...
Leading with Integrity: Unpacking Ethical Leadership in the Wake of Crisis
Florin LunguYou have a headache. Looking for some relief, you walk to the cupboard and pop open a new bottle of aspirin. You carefully tear open the tamper-proof seal and reach inside for the pills. If you were born within the last forty years, this is the way it’s always been for you: analgesics, vitamins, and all kinds of other consumables come with a layer of protection that assures us it’s safe to consume. But if you were born before that, you may remember a time when this wasn’t the case. Back in 1982, Chicago, Illinois was shaken by a terrifying tragedy. Of the hundreds of thousands of Tylenol bottles for sale in the city, eight were found laced with cyanide. The discovery came after five bottles led to seven deaths. Two poisoned bottles were later discovered unopened, and one remained on the store shelf, still waiting to be sold. Few commercial product incidents have come with such a gruesome wake. But in response, CEO James Burke stepped up to do what must be done. Johnson...
Start with Why: 5 Strategies for Developing Your Authentic Leadership Brand
Almost fifteen years ago, author, speaker, and business leader Simon Sinek published one of his best-known works, Start With Why. In it, Sinek points out a powerful reversal of modern marketing: sharing your product with someone isn’t about what you sell as much as it is about why. “Every single person, every single organization on the planet knows what they do, 100%. Some know how they do it. But very, very few people or organizations know why they do what they do. And by why, I don’t mean to make a profit. That’s a result. By why, I mean what’s your purpose? What’s your cause? What’s your belief? Why does your organization exist? Why do you get out of bed in the morning? And why should anyone care?” And in fact, this is not just a marketing maneuver – it is a leadership principle! You may be familiar with John Maxwell’s definition of leadership: “Leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less.” And true influence cannot be bought, transferred, or manufactured… it can only be...
Harnessing the Power of Learning: The Silent Weapon in Today’s High-Paced World
Florin LunguHow much do you value learning? A desire to simplify life has been powering progress for thousands of years. For much of the world, life is more convenient than it ever has been: electric washers and dryers, microwavable dinners, and computers in our pockets. And yet, even with all these things maximizing our time, we are busier than ever before. Convenience comes at a cost. When electric washers and dryers made laundry easier, we started doing it every week, not every month. When texting made communication simple, we started communicating more. The easier something becomes, the less of an excuse we have not to do it. It’s like Uncle Ben said in Spider-Man: “With great power comes great responsibility.” In an environment as busy as this – especially with a leader’s responsibility – taking time to grow, develop, and learn can easily get lost in the mix. This was exactly the situation that Satya Nadella inherited when he became CEO of Microsoft in 2014. In his book, Hit...
Leading Smartly: A Leader’s Guide to Strategic Delegation
Florin LunguAs leaders we are always looking for ways to maximize the results of our time. You’ve heard of the Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule: 20% of our effort yields 80% of our results, and the other 20% comes from 80% of our effort. It reminds us we have high-value and low-value items on our to do list. And the Pareto principle is often paired with the urgency/importance matrix, sorting tasks into categories and assigning action steps. Now, these are fantastic tools for improving productivity – they certainly shape how we see our daily agenda. But if we use them for their intended purpose, that means we’ve got to minimize, reduce, cut back… That’s right – we’ve got to delegate! Many leaders have a love-hate relationship with delegation. On one hand, lightening the leader’s load frees them up to work in their area of strength or passion. And when the leader works more efficiently, they serve the team better. Plus, empowering team members to do additional tasks...
Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Indra Nooyi’s Transformation of PepsiCo’s Product Line
Florin LunguWhat comes to mind when you hear the name PepsiCo.? Most likely, you are thinking of their namesake, Pepsi – the sweet cola beverage sold in stores all over the world. But if you are a fan of the brand, you may be familiar with some of their other products as well: chips like Doritos and Ruffles, cereals like Cap’n Crunch, and Grandma’s brand cookies. It goes without saying that healthy nutrition is not a big selling point of their products! The organization has been selling one kind or another of carbonated drink since 1902 and has owned many restaurant chains since then. That said, Pepsi does actually have a line of healthier products. These include veggie crisps, sparkling waters, and dried fruits. And what does all this have to do with leadership? Well, you see, there was a time when Pepsi didn’t have many healthy options available for consumers. But Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, saw a shift happening in the marketplace. More and more, customers were setting...
Turning Tides: The Strategic Vision that Rescued Microsoft from Obsolescence
Florin LunguThe year was 2014, and one organization was struggling to stay relevant. Customers were not returning; its competition was stifling; its new tech was confusing consumers, and it had long given up its hold on the market. It was quickly aging out of relevance. The organization in question? Microsoft. Yes, that’s right – the Microsoft. Nine years ago, Microsoft was fighting to keep its title as a titan of the tech industry. Users of their software were satisfied enough with older versions of its products to keep from buying new releases. Its cloud products were facing competition from Amazon and Google, and of course, Apple was dominating the mobile phone market. Something had to change. Enter Satya Nadella. Nadella had been with Microsoft since 1992. For some of that time, he served as senior VP of research and development, investing his effort in understanding the future. He had a track record of getting results and upping revenue – and as of February 4, 2014, he was now...
In Tune with Your Team: How Scandinavian Leadership Can Harmonize Your Workplace
Florin LunguHave you ever seen an orchestra perform? The lights dim. The crowd settles. A soft note rises from the group, then another, and then a wave of music washes over the theater. Skilled musicians play their parts to perfection. The dancing strings of violins, cellos, and double basses fill the air with highs and lows. Woodwinds make their magic; horns punctuate moments of passion; and percussion keeps the rest of them in time. And at the center of it all stands the conductor. All the musicians watch her, trusting her, as she directs the group. What a powerful metaphor for the workplace. Your organization may not make music, but you do serve someone in their time of need. Whatever you make or do has a purpose. Every day, a group of diverse individuals with their own lives comes together to leverage their talents toward that common goal, and they take their cues from you – their leader. It is a thing of beauty. But you know what they say about beauty… beauty is pain! Managing...
Unleashing True Leadership: The Undervalued Power of Emotional Intelligence
Florin LunguJohn Maxwell has been one of the biggest influences on my leadership career. I’m sure if you have followed me for any length of time you have seen me refer to his famous quote, “Leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less.” It’s one of the most powerful statements about leadership I can think of! It says so much about leading in just a few words. Leadership is not about control; it is not limited to a position or title; it is not even necessarily about the bottom line. It is simply the ability of one person to impact another. But in order for us to impact, the other person has to be engaged! John Maxwell also says, “If you think you’re leading, but no one is following, then you are only taking a walk.” I’ve spoken to many young leaders with this problem. They have spent years specializing in a skillset. They become masters of their craft. They are the most productive technician on the team. Then they earn a leadership title and suddenly they feel they are in...
Navigating the Currents of Change: Leadership Tactics for a Dynamic Business World
Florin LunguIf you have been reading my articles for a while, you probably know what to expect when I publish a new one. Some insights on leadership, maybe a story with a point – at the end of the day, that will always be what I offer. After all, it is my passion. But what if, one day, it was different? What if, instead of a monologue, it was a conversation? Would you embrace the change, or would you x-out in confusion? Host: Hello, and welcome to Leadership for the Now, your chosen resource for today’s most cutting-edge leadership tips. Today, we’re looking at a six-letter word that has brought many organizations to their knees: change. Kodak. Nokia. Xerox. Blockbuster. Change has ushered them all into the past. Evolving tech impacts consumer preferences, which transforms trends, which then changes what businesses must do to serve their people. As leaders we have to be on our toes, ready to anticipate the change that’s coming around the corner. With us today we have leadership...
Embracing the Uninvented: A Leadership Perspective on Navigating Rapid Technological Change
Florin LunguOver the last hundred years or so, the man named Charles Holland Duell has become the poster child for lack of imagination. Charles Duell, born in 1850, served as the Commissioner of the United States Patent Office around the turn into the 20th century. During his tenure as patent commissioner, he examined patent applications for all kinds of inventions. And in 1899, he said, “Everything that can be invented has been invented.” Or so the story goes… Actually, there is no credible evidence to suggest that he said such a thing. In fact, quite the contrary – Charles Holland Duell went on record to say, In my opinion, all previous advances in the various lines of invention will appear totally insignificant when compared with those which the present century will witness. I almost wish that I might live my life over again to see the wonders which are at the threshold. Just a few weeks ago, I wrote to you about how fast society is changing. According to computer scientist Ray...
Unlocking Your Leadership Puzzle: Celebrate Your Distinctive Role and Create a Powerful Legacy
Each one of us holds a unique piece of the grand leadership puzzle. In my latest article, “Unlocking Your Leadership Puzzle: Celebrate Your Distinctive Role and Create a Powerful Legacy,” I delve into the idea that every leader’s journey is singular and irreplaceable. I share lessons learned from my own experience and encourage you to celebrate your distinctive role in the leadership landscape. From embracing your passion to balancing connection with ambition, this article offers insights to help you unlock your leadership potential and create a lasting legacy. Join me in exploring how we can better understand our unique pieces of the leadership puzzle and assemble a grand design that reflects our collective strength.
The Ripple Effect of Leading by Example: How the Leader’s Actions Shape the Team’s Success
In today’s fast-paced world, effective leadership is more important than ever. But what truly makes a leader successful? In this article, we delve into the powerful concept of leading by example, exploring Dr. John Maxwell’s Law of the Picture and its impact on team success. Discover the four essential principles that demonstrate how modeling behavior can drive positive change within your team, and learn how to harness this knowledge to become the inspiring and influential leader your team needs. Begin your journey towards improved productivity, increased accountability, and better communication by understanding the ripple effect of your actions as a leader.
The Adaptive Leader: Strategies for Guiding Teams in an Era of Exponential Change
Florin LunguWhen Google hired Ray Kurzweil to focus on the development of new technology, he had already established his reputation as an insightful futurist. He had received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 1999 from US President Bill Clinton; received his country’s largest cash prize for invention; and been inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. And he had written The Singularity is Near, where he used his visionary expertise to explain just how fast society is changing – in fact, not just how fast society is changing, but how fast how fast society is changing, is changing: “My models show that we are doubling the paradigm-shift rate every decade,” he says. Or, in other words, “We won’t experience one hundred years of technological advance in the 21st century; we will witness on the order of 20,000 years of progress… or about 1,000 times greater than what was achieved in the 20th century.” Change has always been a major topic of discussion in...
Balancing Speed & Adaptability: Mastering Decision-Making in the Modern World
Florin LunguOn the topic of decision-making, Think and Grow Rich author Napoleon Hill offered this hard and fast rule: “Successful people make decisions quickly (as soon as all the facts are available) and change them very slowly (if ever). Unsuccessful people make decisions very slowly, and change them often and quickly.” Hill’s Think and Grow Rich is one of the best-selling self-help guides of all time. Yet, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk asserts that changing one’s mind is a sign of wisdom. He says, “Most people fear changing their mind because they are worried about people’s judgment… Changing your mind is a strength. New data, new decisions.” Vaynerchuck, known to his 40+ million social media subscribers for his entrepreneurial prowess, has written 4 New York Times bestselling books on business in the last 15 years. Could it be that the world has changed so much since Think and Grow Rich was published in 1937? There’s certainly something to be said for that – information is...
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