Leading at the Enterprise Level

What this film is

An illustrated reading of an article by Douglas A. Ready. It is my reading of his work, not his. Jo is an illustrative character. The article's company cases are left out.

The four tasks

• Focus: absorb the complexity so others can see the customer.
• Build: what the company does and what it is, at the same time.
• Hold: the tensions that never go away, such as tomorrow against today.
• Align: meaning, mind-set, mobilisation, measurement and renewal, as one system.

Why it is hard

Cultures celebrate the unit hero, and reward systems keep paying for unit results after the strategy has changed. The article names a third obstacle, which the film leaves out.

What helps

Hold every leader accountable for growing enterprise leaders. Open real jobs across boundaries. Spot potential early, and do not punish the risks that grow people.

Source

• Ready, D. A., “Leading at the Enterprise Level”, MIT Sloan Management Review, 45(3), Spring 2004.

This film is not affiliated with or endorsed by the author, MIT Sloan Management Review or the companies named.