Iacocca

Lee Iacocco exemplifies moral purpose in the way he led his organizations. He continuously had a goal in mind and contributed to the positive morale of every one of his employees and clients. He built and maintained relationships with his candidness and honesty. This was particularly evident when he needed Chrysler to aid him in his quest to raise money for Diabetes research. They stepped up by allowing an man in his 80's to take control of their commercials, along with artist Snoop Dog (SilkeCarty, 2005).
Iacocca did not give up easily even when all odds were against him. He reinvented himself and the companies he worked for by changing to meet the customer's needs. In 1980, he delivered to the needs of the baby boomers with his introduction of the mini van (Cummings, 2005).
Iacocca was consistent in his sales practices and although he studied engineering at Lehigh University, he much preferred the sales end of the car business. He tried to pass a good deal on to his customers and the community. Lee knew what it was like growing up in the depression and always knew the value of the dollar. He was taught to work hard and to respect all people. Those values that he learned early in life were exactly what he needed to become a successful leader in business.
Even after retirement, Lee continues to raise money for Diabetes research. So far he has raised over 10 million dollars. During his years in the auto industry Iacocca was recognized with many awards. He was the first recipient of the 'Automotive Industry of the Year Award'. He won the award in 1982 as the very first recipient. In 1984 he was awarded with the 'Ralph Coats Roe Medal. This medal was awarded because of his "exceptional contribution of an engineer towards better public understanding and improving the standard of society" (Cummings, 2005). Finally in 1984 he was inducted into the 'Automotive Hall of Fame'.

Cummings, K. (2005).Chapter one- the early years. Lee Iacocca. p 1-1.

SilkeCarty, S. (2005). Iacocco does ad to aid battle against diabetes. USA Today.

Lee Iacocca- On Leadership

Leadership is a word that is difficult to define. There are many strengths a leader has to posess in order to be successful. According to Lee Iacocca there are 9 C's of leadership (Schauseil, 209):

• Curiosity- "Step out of your comfort zone."
• Creative- "Try something different."
• Communicate- "Tell the truth."
• Competent- "Know what you're doing."
• Common sense
• Courage- "Commitment to sit down at the negotiating table."
• Character
• Conviction- "Unwaivering belief to move forward."
• Charisma-"Inspire people to follow you."

The turning point in Lee's life was when he was fired from Ford after an unresolved argument between Lee and Henry Ford (Schauseil, 2009). If it were not for this argument, Lee would have never been forced to look for another corporation. Making this move to The Chrysler Corporation helped Iacocca to grow into a true leader. He was awarded the medal of the 'Automotive Industry Leader of the Year'. He was also inducted into 'The Automotive Hall of Fame'.

Another turning point in Lee Iacocca's life was in 1983 when his wife Mary died of Diabetes. He made a promise to her before she died. He told her he wouldn't give up until he found a cure (SilkeCarty, 2005). He utilized his relationship with Chrysler to create commercials with proceeds going to Diabetes research. Snoop Dog joined forces with him to do the commercials. It has been a great success, with donations totaling over 20 million dollars to Diabetes research (SilkeCarty, 2005).

Schauseil, Ribin (2009).A new slant on the c's. Business credit.

SilkeCarty, Sharon (2005).Iacocca does ad to aid battle against diabetes. USA today

Lee Iacocca

One of the reasons I chose Lee Iacocca as my leader was that he was a hard working, successful entrepreneur, who overcame many obstacles. Born to an Italian immigrant couple, Lido (Lee) was raised during the great depression. He was born in 1924 in the nearby city of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Modeling after his parents hard work, he was only 10 years old when he started his first business. He took his wagon to a nearby grocery store, waiting to assist people with their purchases. At 16 years old, he worked double shifts at a fruit market. At this young age, he learned about ethnic discrimination. He was often picked on for being Italian (Cummings, 2005).
Later in life, he was disqualified from entering the military because of a childhood illness. He went on to attend and graduate from Lehigh University with a degree in engineering. He received his graduate degree from Princeton University. Lee landed a job at Ford Motor Company. He quickly became assistant sale manager because of a deal he created for the company. The "56 for 56" deal made his reputation in the motor industry.This deal made it possible to pay 56 dollars a month for a 1956 Ford (SilkeCarty,2005). Buyers saw this as an appealing deal. Lee was always thinking as a leader by constantly keeping up with the needs of the people and reinventing his company.
After an argument at Ford, Lee was fired and went on to be the President of the Chrysler Corporation. This was a huge undertaking, since the company was in debt. He persuaded employees to work for less money, while he reduced his own salary to a dollar. He asked for government assistance, knowing that without it, the entire economy would suffer. Congress finally agreed to back him with the much needed funding. Lee rebuilt Chrysler with the success of his K-car (Cummings, 2005). Lee Iacocca continues to be a powerful leader in the fight for curing Diabetes (SilkeCarty, 2005).

Cummings, Kathleen (2005).Chapter one:early years. Lee Iacocca. 1-1.
SilkeCarty, Sharon (2005).Iacocca does ad to aid battle against Diabetes. USA Today.