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Archive: Michael Maccoby
Venture capital over charity
Would the funds that go to philanthropy be better spent as venture capital to create new products and jobs? When it comes to creating public goods, the greatest corporate contributions are employment and good products.
By Michael Maccoby | November 19, 2009; 03:22 PM ET | Comments (2)
Declining 'credibility capital'
Despite winning large majorities in Congress, Obama has found it extremely difficult to implement his vision, including a reform of health care.
By Michael Maccoby | November 10, 2009; 03:45 PM ET | Comments (2)
When generals are wrong
Sometimes the judgment of military leaders has proved better than that of their civilian bosses -- but not always.
By Michael Maccoby | November 3, 2009; 02:26 PM ET | Comments (6)
Replace Cerruto and Snyder
The fault lies not with Coach Zorn, but with Dan Snyder and Vince Cerruto for their draft and free-agency decisions. They are the managers who need to be replaced
By Michael Maccoby | October 28, 2009; 10:56 AM ET | Comments (0)
Our secret hope
Against our suspicion that leaders are self-seeking egomaniacs, we still hope that when we are in danger, a competent, trustworthy, selfless leader will emerge to save the situation.
By Michael Maccoby | October 20, 2009; 11:09 AM ET | Comments (0)
No Prize for Norwegians
If the Norwegians meant to bolster Obama's ability to change the world for the better, I doubt they have succeeded.
By Michael Maccoby | October 14, 2009; 05:16 AM ET | Comments (1)
Obama's Khruschev
With bullies like Khruschev or Ahmedinejad, it is essential to take unambiguous, unyielding positions, or they will think we won't stand up to them.
By Michael Maccoby | September 29, 2009; 05:46 AM ET | Comments (5)
Hated Invaders
The U.S .did not lose its friends in Asia by leaving Vietnam, where we were supporting, as now in Afghanistan, a corrupt government against an insurgency with deep roots in the country.
By Michael Maccoby | September 22, 2009; 01:11 PM ET | Comments (33)
A Jamie Dimon Model
Changing behavior at financial institutions requires leaders with a clear philosophy, starting with a statement of purpose that translates into how employees are expected to act and how results will be defined and measured.
By Michael Maccoby | September 16, 2009; 06:52 AM ET | Comments (0)
Obama's Failure
Loyalty creates loyalty and sacrificing Jones was a mistake that may prove costly.
By Michael Maccoby | September 9, 2009; 02:05 PM ET | Comments (4)
From Lightweight to Leader
In his life journey, he responded to devastating family tragedy and personal failure by dedicating himself to further the common good.
By Michael Maccoby | August 27, 2009; 10:53 AM ET | Comments (0)
Mission Creep
The war has shifted from destroying al-Qaeda to fighting the Taliban, and we are becoming bogged down in what is essentially a complex of tribal wars.
By Michael Maccoby | August 25, 2009; 10:46 AM ET | Comments (3)
We Still Need Visionary Leaders
Shell-shocked from the recession, we may hope for cautious, careful leaders. But ultimately the leaders we need are bold visionaries -- Freud called them narcissists -- who create something new.
By Michael Maccoby | August 21, 2009; 06:05 AM ET | Comments (13)
Negative Incentives Needed
The Obama team should now be at work charting what incentives, positive and negative, they can use with Democrats who are on the fence about voting for health-care reform
By Michael Maccoby | August 18, 2009; 10:15 AM ET | Comments (2)
Get a Real Vacation
If you're going to unplug and relax, make sure you arrange a vacation you'll actually enjoy.
By Michael Maccoby | August 11, 2009; 12:28 PM ET | Comments (0)
Don't Wait for It to 'Blow Over'
If you are trying to accomplish important goals, don't throw out a divisive, emotionally charged observation. If you do, however, act quickly and don't wait for it to "blow over."
By Michael Maccoby | August 3, 2009; 12:05 PM ET | Comments (1)
Take Cue from Clinics
There are health care centers in America that truly are the best in the world in terms of both quality and cost--Obama should examine how they work when trying to develop a fair, efficient health care system.
By Michael Maccoby | July 28, 2009; 10:34 AM ET | Comments (0)
Focus on Service
If banks and other financial institutions focus on service rather than making quick bucks, people are more likely to appreciate them and furthermore, they are more likely to prosper.
By Michael Maccoby | July 21, 2009; 10:48 AM ET | Comments (0)
The Anti-Leader's Leader
Palin's supporters don't trust leaders in general, and her farewell speech as governor implied that people should follow her because she doesn't want to be a leader. Believe it or not, that makes sense to her followers.
By Michael Maccoby | July 7, 2009; 01:05 PM ET | Comments (0)
Adultery Is Private, Politics Are Not
The public dislikes infidelity in its leaders but is willing to ignore it if the leader is seen as truly working for the common good.
By Michael Maccoby | June 29, 2009; 01:44 PM ET | Comments (1)
A Productive Narcissist
Who would want to follow a leader who is often insulting to his subordinates? Some people would and do, because Jobs creates great products that change people's lives.
By Michael Maccoby | June 23, 2009; 09:24 AM ET | Comments (0)
The Zen Christian Master
Phil Jackson said his own approach to coaching "embodied the Zen Christian attitude of selfless awareness." Other leader shouldn't copy him: Instead they should express their own values and vision through their leadership style.
By Michael Maccoby | June 15, 2009; 02:14 PM ET | Comments (1)
An Unwise Boast
Sonia Sotomayor's statement about her background was a boast to an audience that shared her Latina identity, not an explanation of her convictions.
By Michael Maccoby | June 9, 2009; 06:38 AM ET | Comments (0)
Bring the Best Minds
The government cannot run GM operations, but it can make sure that it has the best possible leadership. One way to do this is to organize an advisory committee that is not dominated by financial types but which includes experts on auto companies.
By Michael Maccoby | June 1, 2009; 03:00 PM ET | Comments (0)
Steve Jobs Is Not Dull: Why Context Matters in CEO Success
David Brooks has joined a parade of thinkers who endorse the idea that the best CEOs are "dull," self-effacing conscientious folks. In fact, context matters, and some business leaders need charisma, just as political leaders also need strategy.
By Michael Maccoby | May 22, 2009; 12:53 PM ET | Comments (10)
A Listening Heart
President Obama should not ignore the leadership qualities of his nominee, as other presidents have done. An influential Justice is one who can not only apply strong logical analysis but who can also make compelling arguments from the heart.
By Michael Maccoby | May 19, 2009; 10:28 AM ET | Comments (0)
Self-Defeating
Cheney's insistence on reviewing memos he claims will prove that "enhanced interrogation techniques" like waterboarding saved thousands of American lives may not be wise for the country and even for his political purposes.
By Michael Maccoby | May 12, 2009; 07:02 AM ET | Comments (1)
Shared Sacrifice
The management could possibly scare the union into accepting its terms by threatening to close the paper. The result would be an angry and resentful staff.
By Michael Maccoby | May 5, 2009; 10:05 AM ET | Comments (0)
An Ancient Practice
Leadership has been taught and learned through the ages. An early leadership coach was Moses's father-in-law, Jethro, who told him Moses was wearing himself out trying to solve everyone's problems and that he should learn to delegate.
By Michael Maccoby | April 21, 2009; 07:12 AM ET | Comments (0)
Protecting Life
By offering himself to the pirates as a hostage, he risked his life to protect his crew. In this time of self-serving leaders, his example is inspiring.
By Michael Maccoby | April 15, 2009; 04:27 PM ET | Comments (0)
A Strategic Mind at Work
He painted a vision of partnership to control and eventually abolish nuclear weapons. What he showed in Europe was a strategic mind at work, plowing the ground to grow a stronger, healthier future.
By Michael Maccoby | April 7, 2009; 11:57 AM ET | Comments (1)
Questions for GM
Firing Wagoner is a strong signal that under his leadership GM performed poorly. But replacing him with someone whose talent is controlling costs won't cut it.
By Michael Maccoby | March 30, 2009; 03:32 PM ET | Comments (0)
Taxi Driver Wisdom
On the way to Reagan Airport, the taxi driver had this to say about President Obama: "He should talk directly to those bankers and tell them to stop acting like pigs. And he shouldn't let Congress run the show."
By Michael Maccoby | March 22, 2009; 10:46 PM ET | Comments (0)
College Coaches Versus CEOs
Exceptional coaches have high salaries because they create winning teams and make money for the colleges that pay them. Many CEOs whose companies have had losing years can't claim the same justification for their huge salaries and bonuses.
By Michael Maccoby | March 15, 2009; 10:04 PM ET | Comments (0)
If Women Ran the Banks
The banks and trading companies are dominated by men. The few women who reach high levels have had to fit into a male culture. Would it have been different if women had created and run the culture? We can only fantasize.
By Michael Maccoby | March 9, 2009; 04:33 AM ET | Comments (1)
Five Key Principles
The Obama administration is right in inviting stakeholders to take part in the reform process, but it must remain true to five interrelated principles.
By Michael Maccoby | March 2, 2009; 04:30 PM ET | Comments (0)
Livni's Careful Calculus
When a new CEO is crowned at Japanese companies, rivals are either retired or sent to other companies. But politics is messier, and Livni must decide whether Netanyahu is sincere in his overtures.
By Michael Maccoby | February 23, 2009; 10:31 AM ET | Comments (0)
"Miracle" and Others
"Miracle," "Remember the Titans," "Twelve O'Clock High" and "Citizen Kane" are four brilliant films that each show a different type of leadership.
By Michael Maccoby | February 18, 2009; 10:21 AM ET | Comments (0)
False Sense of Entitlement
Bank executives seem oblivious to what the public thinks of them and care too much about what other executives think of them.
By Michael Maccoby | February 2, 2009; 02:06 PM ET | Comments (0)
Losers and Winners
It is all in the context-- a person can seem inept in one situation and brilliant in another.
By Michael Maccoby | January 26, 2009; 11:34 AM ET | Comments (0)
Rallying for Bipartisanship
While one speech cannot achieve the president's purpose, by aiming to gain bipartisan support, President Obama got off to an excellent start.
By Michael Maccoby | January 21, 2009; 12:23 PM ET | Comments (0)
The Principled Pragmatist
Obama's brilliant campaign and impressive transition process show he has the skills to guide the country through rough seas, but once greeted by "Hail to the Chief," will he keep his humility?
By Michael Maccoby | January 12, 2009; 12:39 PM ET | Comments (1)
Unanswered Questions
He had many strengths as a leader -- an affable personality combined with a stubborn will -- but his actions in the long run may cost us all dearly.
By Michael Maccoby | January 6, 2009; 11:05 AM ET | Comments (3)
Father Richard Frechette
Perhaps the best leaders of 2008 have avoided self-advertisement, and one of these is a priest-physician who leads by example in caring for Haiti's poor.
By Michael Maccoby | December 30, 2008; 11:22 AM ET | Comments (2)
Piloting His Own Sled
Santa is a model for CEOs. Not only does he inspire hardworking employees and happy customers while promoting niceness, but he also turns down the corporate jet in favor of doing the hard flying work himself.
By Michael Maccoby | December 23, 2008; 11:22 AM ET | Comments (0)
Be the Leader We Need
Rather than defensively answer questions, Obama should tell us he recognizes the governor's behavior is a symptom of the failure of leadership in this country.
By Michael Maccoby | December 15, 2008; 01:00 PM ET | Comments (0)
Change the Culture
General Motors can't survive without transformational leadership.
By Michael Maccoby | December 8, 2008; 03:40 PM ET | Comments (2)
