Leaders & Laggards

"Leaders & Laggards” is a periodic series that examines the best and worst of business leadership.

Leaders:

Eric Schmidt, CEO, Google. The newly public company wants to offer more access to published works using its famous Internet search technology. Schmidt publicly defended the company’s motives in a Wall Street Journal Op-ed (“Books of Revelation,” October 18), and after reading his piece and others, it’s hard not to give a big leadership nod. This stand isn’t without controversy. But at least it’s a stand. That’s more than what can be said for a majority of businesses.

Sheldon Adelson, Las Vegas investor and developer. Adelson is an entrepreneur for the ages. Here’s an excerpt from a recent Fortune (“The Man with the Golden Gut,” October 17) profile: “Businesses are like buses. You stand on a corner and you don’t like where that one is going? Wait…take another. There’s no end to buses or businesses.” It’s too bad more can’t heed this call. There’s immense insight into this simple rule.

Lee Scott, CEO, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Ok, so the big box retailer hasn’t won many fans or friends alike in the corporate reputation category. No argument there. But what a difference a few months make. Between Katrina hurricane response and Scott’s latest request to boost the minimum wage, it looks as though the point-of-view gods have finally found where America shops. Next test: Standing up to the obesity crowd over hiring practices.

Laggards:

Joe Galli, outgoing CEO, Newell Rubbermaid. For anyone that had to suffer through one of his presentations or direct interactions, it’s no surprise that Galli is the latest CEO casualty. His track record boils down to this key fact: 10 quarters of sales declines despite some of the world’s greatest brands, including Sharpie. How do you manage that? Where was the board?

Phillip R. Bennett, former chairman and CEO, Refco. This individual, with help from his own funny loans and greedy investors, managed to lead the commodity trading giant right into bankruptcy. Our only question: Wasn’t there a good reason why we had never heard of Bennett outside Wall Street? Here’s hoping we won’t hear anymore soon. Refco sounds too much like the former Revco, which now operates as CVS.

Brand Atlanta. Since we don’t know whom to single out, the entire status quo complex will have to do. Branding may give rise to brand in some cases, but in the end, logos, jingles and ads don’t replace a unique promise or commitment. And while it pains us to say, the three O-rings – Opportunity, Optimism and Openness– don’t deliver anything concrete. As to the pre-game performance on Monday Night Football that no one outside Atlanta saw, well… Here’s a suggested slogan: “Atlanta, the City Too Busy to Change.”

The Pointe is produced by Point of View, LLC, an executive leadership brand consultancy based in Atlanta. For related background, please contact Jeremy Garlington, 404-606-0637, garlingtons@msn.com or visit http://www.povblogger.blogspot.com/.