When I became a manager at Hewlett Packard in the 1980’s, I was required to go to training which communicated the values of HP and the standard working practices. At the time, HP’s management was extraordinary and the darling of the business world as judged by the hundreds of books on the subject. I couldn’t agree more.
But, it was difficult to stay on top. HP’s management structure was destroyed by Carly Fiorina and has never recovered. She, and the follow on board members, didn’t understand, nor try to come to grips with, the mantra of Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard . . that the success of the company was based on shared values and a common desire to make a contribution . . not because you were trying to build a business behemoth, but because it supported everyone to be a part of the victories and have financial successes, together.
So, when I see the Donald Trumps and Boris Johnsons of the world try to unsuccessfully make simple management decisions, it is both amusing and disgusting. There is a difference between being able to make headlines and get elected, and being competent enough to manage an organization.
Both, in a well-managed organization, would be fired for incompetence.
And, I want to emphasize that I am not exaggerating.