Straight talk from the world’s most influential consultant on how to survive and thrive during the global economic meltdown
Economic turbulence has arrived with a vengeance, and only companies that face it head-on at the beginning of this world-wide crisis will be the ones left standing once the dust clears. Renowned consultant Ram Charan, author of several leading business titles including Boards That Deliver, Confronting Reality, Execution, Know-How and What the CEO Wants You to Know, traces the causes of this crisis, identifies the essential priorities managers need to focus on now, and offers clear guidelines for top executives and managers.
From executive concerns to finance, marketing, sales, and manufacturing issues, Leadership in the Era of Economic Uncertainty is the necessary primer for seizing opportunity and preserving profit in today’s global economy.
Table of contents
Contents
FOREWORD BY LARRY BOSSIDY
INTRODUCTION--CORPORATE CRISIS!
1. THE CHALLENGE OF MANAGING IN A TOXIC
2. AT THE HELM: What CEOs and Business Unit and Country
Managers Must Do
3. ON THE FRONT LINES:Sales and Marketing
4. MIND OVER MONEY: The Chief Financial Officer
5. MAKING IT ALL WORK: Operations
6. REFOCUSING INNOVATION: Research and Development
7. TYING IT ALL TOGETHER: The Supply Chain
8. SUPPORTING THE TEAM: Staff Functions
9. THE VIEW FROM THE TOP: The Board of Directors
MOVING FORWARD
INDEX
Biographical note
Ram Charan is the coauthor of bestsellers
Execution and Confronting Reality and the
author of What the CEO Wants You to Know and 10 other books. A noted expert on business strategy, he has coached some of the world’s most successful CEOs and
helped companies like GE, Bank of America, Verizon, KLM, and Thomson shape and implement their strategic direction.
Back cover copy
“You’ve never experienced so much change and uncertainty or faced such a deep downturn. Yet others are looking to you for strength and guidance. Are you up to the challenge? Whether you lead a company, business unit, or small group of people, Leadership in the Era of Economic Uncertainty will be an invaluable tool for navigating today’s troubled economic waters.”—From the Foreword by Larry Bossidy
Inside, business advisor Ram Charan describes steps you can take right now to steer your organization away from the pitfalls and position it for a new future. You’ll find
practical techniques that will help you cope with:
CASH AND CREDIT CRUNCHES
SHRINKING BUDGETS
COLLAPSING MARKETS
SINKING WORKFORCE MORALE
DISAPPEARING SUPPLIERS
NERVOUS STAKEHOLDERS
Great business thinkers like Ram Charan see opportunity in chaos. His innovative, commonsense way of approaching problems has made him one of the world’s most sought-after consultants. Here, he provides help to leaders at every level, from the CEO and country managers to department heads in fi nance, marketing, sales, and manufacturing.
Leadership in the Era of Economic Uncertainty offers clear guidelines for seizing opportunity and persevering in today’s global economy. Fight your fear and anxiety—and take your leadership to the next level, now.
