“The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools.” Herbert Spencer
This quote was exemplified to me in this mornings “Town Hall” meeting by Monsanto’s CEO, Hugh Grant. Yesterday before his address to shareholders in NYC, Hugh sent an email which quite frankly sent shockwaves throughout the corporation. The email advised that sales this year had not been what he (Monsanto) had predicted and that certain cost reduction measures were to come into effect immediately. Hugh stepped onto the stage this morning and with complete transparency, humility, empathy and a little bit of humour for good measure managed to turn an audience of 22,000 glum, anxious faces into a company eagerly anticipating the future. He stated the facts and people respected him for it. Our learning at Babson on story-telling and leading with presence all came flooding back, it was a morning well spent. I have been fortunate enough to spend quite a bit of time with Hugh at various networking events and board meetings/presentations, I’m hoping some of it rubs off.
On not such grand scale I found myself leading my own meeting yesterday as the facilitator was called away briefly. We had representatives from 25 countries around the globe and I do have to admit I felt a bit like Terry Wogan on Eurovision: “Come in China? Do we have China on the line there?...nuls points.” It didn’t help matters when Brazil swallowed a fly and started to choke, we lost him for 10 minutes. Big bugs in Rio, so I imagine he didn’t need to worry about dinner!
I noticed that Lesley had commented on the 'Fairy of St Louis' in her recent blog so I felt it only right that I include a photo (below). In my opinion she is St Louis’s very own Susan Boyle. She performs her dances for all to see at many of the open air parties and exhibitions the city offers. The majority of people point and laugh but I’m glad I took the time to introduce myself. She gave me her number (no smart comments please!) and also some poems she had written which now adorn the walls of my office and brighten up my day. It’s book and cover stuff…
Slainte Mhath
Ruairidh
Love the dancing fairy, she will be my lasting memory or St Louis!!
I was going to write a blog today on Hugh's speech also. I concur everything you said Ru. I took 2 pages of notes whilst listening to Hugh speak. He was genuine, caring, open and built great respect asa result from all of his staff. He used humour at approriate moments, humility at others. I noted comments like
" I missed you all when in New York yesterday, it's good to be home",
"we won't be recruiting the expected 2,500 new staff this year, so I'm afraid you will need to wait a bit longer to meet those new friends to be",
"in classic Monsanto style, you all asked, how can I help during these times, and I thank you for that, we need your help and we'll do it together, fairly, that's what makes us so special"....I could go on but you get the idea.
Following the meeting I could hear quite a few people chatting about the talk and of their respect for Hugh. One woman said she thought his accent was finally changing to be American which made me laugh as his accent is very clearly Scottish!!. There is no panic, no negativity (that I can see), people are getting their heads down and doing just what he asked. Signs of a great leader I would say. Like Ruairidh, I welcome any learnings I can take from Hugh whilst here at Monsanto.
But I will add, equally, I can learn from the administrative assistant who very kindly helps me out every day. Her friendliness and generosity are in abundance, thank you Carolyn!
Lx