- 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
Hi Donna!
ReplyDeleteI remember when Lee Iacocca asked Congress to help finance Chrysler Corp.(this was back in the 1980's, I believe) and after the company got going again they turned around and sold it to Damieler Corp. of Germany. I'm not sure what this says about Iacocca or the Chrysler Corp. but at the time this took place, I felt it was a betrayal to American Citizens.
Donna,
ReplyDeleteIacocca was a very reflective person to have had identified nine characteristics that should be embodied in a good leader. I am further impressed with him knowing that he attempted to share with others his knowlege about leadership and success. I strongly believe that we should understand that leaders are people too and that sometimes they do not meet the expectations of all of those who judge them. The lesson in this is that leadership is trial and error but every ounce of it is educational.
It is always very interesting to me that true leaders are often born of conflict. Without the strength to overcome turmoil, it is very difficult to know gage the amount of strength one truly has. It takes me back to the Bennis book when he compares leaders to managers. He recognizes that an individual can take every "Leadership" workshop and class offered, but without the experience of actually partaking in the process, often as a result of overcoming conflict, one will never be able to truly lead. To lead you must believe you can, and that takes experience.
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ReplyDeleteHi Donna,
ReplyDeleteI just finished a book on a Key West legend by the name of Captain Tony. He was a leader but not by normal standards, however he lived his life by one "C" and that was compassion. I really liked Lee Iacocca's nine C's with that one addition. I think that Peggy made a great point as well when she stated that experience is a key factor in leadership. As we all know getting that experience can be difficult. When the time comes we must know ourselves so that we can be guided to make the best decisions and the right decisions.
An example of perseverance that you have shared relates to his work with diabetes. He was able to transcend generations in getting the help of Snoop Dogg. This says a geat deal about the man and his ability to share his vision and communicate effectively. It also provides insight into his understanding of communicating across generations; something that many leaders neglect and/or ignore. This was a very interesting story that you shared. Thanks.