John Chen and Blackberry
by Miki Saxon
Remember Blackberry, better known as the crackberry?
Remember the almost universal predictions of its imminent demise last year?
To paraphrase Mark Twain, “The reports of its death were greatly exaggerated,” and it’s moving towards turning around.
What changed?
The boss and the culture.
When John Chen took over as CEO his workforce was demoralized—no positive news and a constant focus on the problems the company was facing.
And that’s what Chen set out to change.
Instead of a culture focused on challenges, AKA, also known as problems, he crafted a culture of innovation by doing the following (read his post for the details).
- Create a Problem-Solving Culture
- Maintain the Sense of Urgency (As discussed last week.)
- Take Care of your Company like it’s your Home
- Know Thyself
- Empower Employees to Take Risks
- Everyone has a Role
Although Chen is focused on turnarounds, his approach and execution is applicable to any boss who wants a culture that attracts good people, motivates them to become great and retains them because they believe in the vision, as well as enhancing innovation and juicing initiative.
As Chen says at the end of his post,
All in all, a turnaround culture is one that enables everyone to pitch in to get things done. That requires focusing on a goal, and empowering employees to take risks and go the extra mile.
That’s how you win.
Actually, that’s how you win—period.
Anywhere.
Flickr image credit: San Churchill
