Comments on: GM http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/gm/ Architect of Professional Communities® | Alan's Blog Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:11:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: Alan Weiss http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/gm/#comment-1648 Alan Weiss Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:26:21 +0000 http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/gm/#comment-1648 Why on earth do people believe that just because someone makes a ton of money and has a nice office that they're the least bit intelligent? I've seen too many dolts in corner offices over the years. There is a reason the US automakers don't compete with Asian and European automakers: Dumb-ass, stupid management. Why on earth do people believe that just because someone makes a ton of money and has a nice office that they’re the least bit intelligent? I’ve seen too many dolts in corner offices over the years. There is a reason the US automakers don’t compete with Asian and European automakers: Dumb-ass, stupid management.

]]> By: Amy Showalter http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/gm/#comment-1647 Amy Showalter Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:56:06 +0000 http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/gm/#comment-1647 Bravo, bravo! Regarding the auto exec's congressional testimony, many of my clients prepare their executives for such encounters with state and federal lawmakers. They are very aware of the importance of appearances and advise their leadership of various lawmaker sensitivities in that regard. The fact that the auto exec's decided to use their corporate jets was yet another example of "tired ears." I'm fairly certain that their government relations & PR staff advised them to play down any appearances of corporate excess. The exec's didn't listen to them, and it's probably a small manifestation of a broader management style that is not attuned to what customers want, which got them in this mess, along with ghastly union negotiating "skills." Bravo, bravo!

Regarding the auto exec’s congressional testimony, many of my clients prepare their executives for such encounters with state and federal lawmakers. They are very aware of the importance of appearances and advise their leadership of various lawmaker sensitivities in that regard.

The fact that the auto exec’s decided to use their corporate jets was yet another example of “tired ears.” I’m fairly certain that their government relations & PR staff advised them to play down any appearances of corporate excess.

The exec’s didn’t listen to them, and it’s probably a small manifestation of a broader management style that is not attuned to what customers want, which got them in this mess, along with ghastly union negotiating “skills.”

]]> By: Sam http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/gm/#comment-1631 Sam Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:23:30 +0000 http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/gm/#comment-1631 "Genesis" had a song called "Land of Cunfusion" back in 1986. Aside from being an excellent song with brilliant video production and lyrics, it sends a very contemporary message. Land without accountability is the Land of Confusion. For those who are interested, music video is available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MzShg7yXik. If you cannot make out who the two animated characters are, she is Meggie Thatcher and he is Ronnie Reagan. “Genesis” had a song called “Land of Cunfusion” back in 1986. Aside from being an excellent song with brilliant video production and lyrics, it sends a very contemporary message. Land without accountability is the Land of Confusion.

For those who are interested, music video is available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MzShg7yXik. If you cannot make out who the two animated characters are, she is Meggie Thatcher and he is Ronnie Reagan.

]]> By: Alan Weiss http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/gm/#comment-1601 Alan Weiss Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:59:17 +0000 http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/gm/#comment-1601 The three CEOs flew to the Congressional hearings in three corporate jets. I don't think there's any question any longer that these guys can't be trusted with pocket change, let alone a bail out. Neither Dilbert nor Doonesbury could have created that ludicrous sight. The three CEOs flew to the Congressional hearings in three corporate jets. I don’t think there’s any question any longer that these guys can’t be trusted with pocket change, let alone a bail out. Neither Dilbert nor Doonesbury could have created that ludicrous sight.

]]> By: Dallon Christensen http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/gm/#comment-1594 Dallon Christensen Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:49:37 +0000 http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/gm/#comment-1594 The American automakers have been a case study of mismanagement for over 30 years. I do not understand why the American taxpayer should pay for the sins of an industry that did not adequately plan for the high quality of Japanese cars (of course, it should have NEVER taken outside competitors to force the American automakers to think of quality as important) or for the inevitable backlash against carbon emissions. US Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) said in today's Quad-City Times, "If we don't help (the so-called Big Three out), we'd go from recession to depression." Of course, Hare comes from a district where the UAW still controls local politics, so Hare's scare comments are typical of those that will eventually force passage of a ill-advised bailout. I'm sure that the restaurant industry will be next in line for a bailout if consumers continue to stay home and not eat out. Then what will Congress do? They have already set two precedents that are corroding the core of the greatest economic system in human history from the inside out. The American automakers have been a case study of mismanagement for over 30 years. I do not understand why the American taxpayer should pay for the sins of an industry that did not adequately plan for the high quality of Japanese cars (of course, it should have NEVER taken outside competitors to force the American automakers to think of quality as important) or for the inevitable backlash against carbon emissions.

US Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) said in today’s Quad-City Times, “If we don’t help (the so-called Big Three out), we’d go from recession to depression.” Of course, Hare comes from a district where the UAW still controls local politics, so Hare’s scare comments are typical of those that will eventually force passage of a ill-advised bailout.

I’m sure that the restaurant industry will be next in line for a bailout if consumers continue to stay home and not eat out. Then what will Congress do? They have already set two precedents that are corroding the core of the greatest economic system in human history from the inside out.

]]> By: Elizabeth Gordon http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/gm/#comment-1587 Elizabeth Gordon Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:11:20 +0000 http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/gm/#comment-1587 I completely agree, Alan. It is useless and futile to artificially prop up an industry whose best years are behind it. The Big 3 automakers are going to fail, its inevitable. American taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize the complete incompetence of car manufacturers leadership and management. The free market should be allowed to work and these guys should fail, it is time. However, it increasingly appears that we will be made to provide life support, in which case, get everyone who is in charge out of there and make massive changes to the business. You can't expect to go in a different direction if you keep following the same people, who continue to be rewarded despite their lack of performance. I completely agree, Alan. It is useless and futile to artificially prop up an industry whose best years are behind it. The Big 3 automakers are going to fail, its inevitable. American taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize the complete incompetence of car manufacturers leadership and management. The free market should be allowed to work and these guys should fail, it is time. However, it increasingly appears that we will be made to provide life support, in which case, get everyone who is in charge out of there and make massive changes to the business. You can’t expect to go in a different direction if you keep following the same people, who continue to be rewarded despite their lack of performance.

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