Leadership Done Right

Brandon W. Jones

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Systematic Problem

Podcast Episode #8 — The Lightbulb Catastrophe

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Hello and welcome to the Leadership Done Right podcast, Episode 8 – The Lightbulb Catastrophe.

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The Lightbulb Catastrophe

The Story of the Lightbulb Catastrophe

I recently heard the following story related by Dieter F. Uchtdorf who is a retired airline executive. On a dark December night 36 years ago, a Lockheed 1011 jumbo jet crashed into the Florida Everglades, killing over 100 people. This terrible accident was one of the deadliest crashes in the history of the United States.

A curious thing about this accident is that all vital parts and systems of the airplane were functioning perfectly—the plane could have easily landed safely at its destination in Miami, only 20 miles (32km) away.

During the final approach, however, the crew noticed that one green light had failed to illuminate—a light that indicates whether or not the nose landing gear has extended successfully. The pilots discontinued the approach, set the aircraft into a circling holding pattern over the pitch-black Everglades, and turned their attention toward investigating the problem. [Read more…] about Podcast Episode #8 — The Lightbulb Catastrophe

Getting To The Root Of The Problem

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Most leaders face challenges or problems on a regular basis.  Some of the problems are very extensive while others are simple.  As a leader, how do you handle problems?  How do you determine a solution when you have a reoccurring problem?  It is easy to look at something that isn’t going right and brush it under the rug or fix the symptoms without looking any deeper.  Each problem, however, has a root cause and the key is to get to the root of the problem.

Identify the root of the problem

To solve those problems, leaders use a variety of methods or techniques.  Some techniques correct the symptoms of the problem, while the more valuable and effective techniques get to the root of the problem.  Of the different problem solving techniques, I have seen three general approaches that are commonly used. [Read more…] about Getting To The Root Of The Problem

Don’t Be Afraid To Say, “I Don’t Know, But…”

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This week I had an interesting experience related to customer service. Over the last few weeks, I have had a number of problems with my vehicles. I heard an unusual knocking noise from the engine of our truck and the car just wouldn’t start.

In order to save money, I have always tried to fix my cars by myself or with help from one of my friends wherever possible. I am no master mechanic, but since I am mechanically minded and have had a lot of great tutors along the way, I have been able to do a lot of my own mechanical work.

With each fix, I have had to run back and forth to the auto parts stores. Through the years I have worked with different people at the auto parts stores. Some have been very knowledgeable on cars and the parts and products, while others have not been.

The Problem

This week as I began fixing the truck and car, I had several questions on which parts to use and whether or not they were available. I started out by calling the auto parts store to tell them my situation. They told me they had just the parts I was looking for and I should come in to buy them.

Once I got to the store, I approached one store employee and began to ask him my questions. As he answered my questions, he really didn’t know the true answers but gave me a response anyway. He suggested a couple of options I should try and identified parts I should buy for each.

Just as I have done in the past, I bought the recommended parts and went home to begin working on the car. Once I got home, I began taking things apart. It didn’t take long to realize I had all the wrong parts.

[Read more…] about Don’t Be Afraid To Say, “I Don’t Know, But…”

Specialty Medical Chemicals

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In the case study, Specialty Medical Chemicals, there are some significant systemic problems. There were three main areas of problems that were occurring in the case. The three areas were: the management approach taken by CEO Carl Burke, the response of the existing vice presidents, and the system as a whole.

Specialty Medical Chemicals

Specialty Medical Chemicals

When Carl Burke became the CEO, he was an outsider to the company. He first took the approach of, “I am just going to ride the wave for a little while and see where it takes me before I make any drastic changes.” As he did this, he found that the company wasn’t performing as he felt it should. Because he had spent his entire career with a single company, his overall outlook was very narrow-minded. He felt that all companies should operate the same way that he was used to operating at Merck. Although it was important for him to come in with his own ideas, it was equally as important that he come in with a little more flexibility. [Read more…] about Specialty Medical Chemicals