Turning a Troubled Company Around

"The greatest test of leadership is to guide an organization out of a time of scandal and crisis; yet that is exactly what is required for new CEO's. Learning to see every impossible situation as an opportunity for strategic change is a beginning point for leaders, since every day provides a chance to rebuild trust.

Leaders in these high stress situations must model integrity in their dealings with others at every level, communicate clearly- (without yelling or sweating), the value of taking positive action with customers to rebuild their confidence and support. They acknowledge the difficulties of the past while taking direct action to address the importance of learning to overcome it and move forward.

Bottom line for CEO's in desperate situations. Trust takes a long time to build. A short time to lose. And a long time to build. Stop talking and get building."