So, I pick up the paper today to learn that the Big 3 are returning to D.C. today to beg for a bail out and to make a statement, they drove hybrid cars rather than flying private jets.

I am not so sure I feel great about this.  Once again…theatrics!  Would it not have been cheaper and more time efficient to fly coach on a super saver…there are plenty of those out there right now.

Congress is saying that these guys need to come back with a plan…some type of plan that will show what the auto industry will do to restructure its entire system and culture to make cars which are more fuel efficient and to restructure policies and procedures which are costing the auto industry millions/billions!

My question is this:  What about the people at the top?  What do you do with the top leadership?  It is my belief that you can’t get to a new place in the future with old, worn out thinking.  For CEO, Alan Mulally was born in 1945.  GM CEO Richard Wagoner Jr was born in 1953, and Robert Nardelli, CEO of Chrysler was born in 1947.  They have been around a long time, which means their brains think a certain way, and they make decisions in a certain way.  I do believe that people can change, but this dramatic staging of driving hybrids to D.C. to make a statement has me nervous.

I know the auto industry needs help…the entire biz community needs help, and I am anxious to see what they come up with.  I want to hear that they are not only going to change a few tactical issues, but I want to hear that they are going to change the way they think…from old school to new school with a long-term view.  I also want to hear what young, fresh minds they are going to bring to the forefront to help them get out of this mess.

If you are someone who is restructuring, I encourage you to look at your change mindset.  How do you feel about making radical changes?  How do you feel about redesigning your strategy in a world that is being constantly disrupted?  How creative are you, and how willing are you to bring in new blood to drive innovation?  If you are not willing to change, to open up your thinking to something new and inspiring, you may find yourself in the same situation as the Big 3 in the future.

If you are truly serious about working on your willingness to change, I would love to talk with you.  Call me a (910) 692-6118, and I am happy to talk with you for 30 minutes to see how I can help you.