As an executive, how much of your day is taken up by conversations?  Most executives I work with say that they spend at least 75% of their time engaged in conversations with clients, direct reports, peers, superiors and others.   When I follow up this conversation with another – what percentage of those interactions create real value? I usually get an astonishingly low percentage around the effectiveness of their conversations (some where between 10 and 30%).  In my work with senior executives we focus on increasing this percentage to a much higher level.  I start this process by helping the executive to integrate three fundamental laws for effective conversations into their mindset.

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Moving away from a Primary Focus on the Shareholder

For as long as many of us can remember increasing shareholder value has been the primary objective for public corporations.  Earnings per share, economic value, return on capital employed are among the key metrics a public organizations use to assess their ultimate value ¹.  Yet, there are growing questions as to whether such singular focus is healthy for organizations and their various stakeholders.  In part one of this entry – I will examine the history behind the rise of shareholder value and challenge its viability as the primary value creator.  In part II, I will talk about some new and more meaningful ways to assess value and examine what has to happen to make this shift.

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By Ram Charan

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 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.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 finance, 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!