故事一則
從前有一家專門開發新式通訊產品的高科技公司,因為新產品研究發出了問題,技術不過關而沒法上市。在沒有收入的情況下,公司的財務出了困難。行政總裁除了向研發部門施壓外,同時向外找尋新投資者。可惜,一筆又一筆的新進資金都用光了,新產品卻仍然沒法推出市面。舊投資者不願再注資,高級行政人員紛紛另謀高就,不想陪著一間行將倒閉的公司走到最後一天,債主討債信件也如雪片飛來。就在此時,董事會召開緊急會議,在員工人心惶惶,資金又緊絀之時,決定開除了被指領導無方的行政總裁,另覓一位新掌舵手。
來應徵者不多。一位是另一家通訊產品製造公司的退休老總裁,作風穩健,希望到來一展自己起死回生的才能。另一位是快餐店的年青經理,除了平日愛玩電子遊戲機外,便沒有任何與科技公司相關的經驗。不過,此君口才了得,而且充滿自信,在董事會上滔滔不絕。談的不是如何搞好多年不投產的生產線,而是誇耀自己如何可以穩定員工士氣。董事會於是召集全體員工讓他一試,此君站在辦公桌上,大聲疾呼地向員工說:「我將為這間垂死的公司帶來改變,只要你相信,你相信你自己能做到,改變便會來臨。不要理會那些過氣工程師如何說,他們都是屬於過去式的。只要你信,你便能做得到。」全場掌聲雷動。退休老總被冷落在一旁,沒趣地走了。
結果,董事會聘請了這名快餐店經理為新任行政總裁,就是這樣,一位快餐店經理成為年薪百萬科技公司總裁的傳奇誕生了。公司上下都很高興,有了一位很不樣的掌舵手,他說話動聽,又不追問為什麼研究多年的產品出了什麼毛病,因為連新總裁自己也不懂。而且,整家公司都沉醉在奮興求變的氣氛中,彷彿一切問題都解決了。
看官,你們相信這家公司因為一位口才絕倫的新主管,從此便能大展鴻圖嗎?後事如何,且看下回分解。
2 comments:
They call this type of people "talking heads". This is American culture, more precisely, American corporation culture.
There are/were many examples like this. I am sure you remember HP lady CEO. American always reward talking head "heroes" highly and blindly. Promising moon and stars. Ended up with a golden parachute when thing did not turn out good.
Another example is the NFL team head coaches. It does not matter they win or loss, they got a multi-million dollar contract. Think about that, it is multi-million dollars. After one season, you can retire for good; but you have to talk well. Track records sometimes is hard to get. You have to pay even more to get track record proven people.
One way or the other, they win big because they know how to talk their way. Their golden parachute
is better than anything you can imagine. I know you don't like it, but that's the way it is; as Walter Kronkite said long long time ago. Too bad.
Part two:
I am sure a lot of you know that Apple Computer holds it MacWorld expo every (January) year in San Francisco.
Apple makes some good machines for certain people. Most of the time, it makes high priced toys. One thing for sure is that Apple has a lot of faithful followers. They are willing to pay whatever to get the latest high tech toys.
Once upon a time, a friend of mine uses the term "visionist" to decribe the act of Apple CEO at MacWorld. Their products are sleek, and beautiful to look at. A good example of industrial/commercial/consumer product design.
The political talkers, or corporation/business talkers are doing the same. They are selling visions.
Years ago, I saw a co-worker in my office wearing a funny button on his shirt. The button says "Trust me. I am a doctor". It is a funny button, but it describes the talking heads' motive.
Politicians, corporation CEO's, and evangelical members all act alike.
They thought that they are the Messiah.
Famouse talking head: Joseph Goebbels, Minister for Propaganda.
Another one: Fidel Castro.
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