Back atcha Boomers: The tribute list

Okay, okay. So last week's piece got us a lot of flak for railing on the Baby Boomers and some of their breaches in trust. But it's a new week and, well let's face it, we really aren't here to demonize an entire generation. As Gen Xers we do have an interest, though, in exploring the challenges that we (and Gens Y and Z, for that matter) will inherit as the Baby Boomers begin to exit the workforce. And we're looking forward to further exploring how generations can come together to find solutions to today's concerns.

But first: time to make amends. Here are some of the most well known, most successful, most predictable Baby Boomers (and one movie) to ever grace a five-point list. We're kicking this homage off with the big-name icons, and we'll give you our take on why they're trusted by younger generations. Then you can take over in the comments section with your shout-outs to all the other, more surprising Boomers you grew up respecting--and whose honest and energetic ways you value.

1. Oprah Winfrey, the American Woman

That's right, we're starting with Oprah.

Forbes named Winfrey the most powerful celebrity four times, most recently in 2010, and she is the only person to be included in all eight issues of the Time 100, a yearly catalogue of the world's 100 most influential people. A star-powered symbol of the Baby Boomer's early efforts to advance civil rights and gender equity, Oprah is...Oh let's just say it: she's the contemporary personification of the American Dream.

Born to unwed teenage parents in rural Mississippi, she was so poor throughout her childhood that she occasionally substituted potato sacks for clothing. Through the years, her daytime show has continuallyevolved, first highlighting the dysfunctional and then shifting to a more solution-focused approach with an emphasis on spirituality, uplifting stories and solving modern day issues. Oprah has reached millions of people through television, film, publications and more, and the billionaire has continually provided an honest glimpse of herself by publicly discussing her struggles with weight and romance. While Oprah's 24-year run as the queen of daytime talk will end this year (she decided to call it quitslate in 2009), we can't help admitting that we'll be following her next move.

2. Bruce Springsteen, the Lyricist; and Bono, the Activist

We grouped Springsteen and Bono together because, in different ways, they both illustrate the power of music. While Springsteen speaks through his art, Bono has transcended the concert hall, making his voice heard in the worlds of politics and social activism. Springsteen is gritty and real, capturing the common concerns of our everyday lives. Bono is electric and effervescent, proving that pop can have substance. From Live Aid to Band Aid, reflecting the anguish of contemporary catastrophe or speaking out against social ills, Springsteen and Bono have led the way in using their celebrity influence and talent to make a difference. Throughout their careers they have inspired creativity and awareness with innovation and passion, and for that we'll tune in.

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Don't get fooled again: The Baby Boomer's leadership failure

In 1971, Pete Townshend of The Who pleaded, I'll get on my knees and pray; We don't get fooled again, singing against the "jaded and compliant" leaders of the day. Now, Townshend's Baby Boomers are the generation that's taken over, and they seem to be doing some fooling of their own.

In the words of David Gergen, CNN analyst and former White House adviser, "The Baby Boomer generation is not working out very well, or as well as we hoped." Gergen made this proclamation two weeks ago at the World Business Forum, and also suggested that of paramount importance to any leader/follower relationship is trust. With that said, where's the trust between Baby Boom leaders and the generations they've been tasked to lead? Let's take a look at how Boomer leaders have butchered trust in four key areas...

1. Environment
Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the pending fall-out of climate change, influential baby boomers like the billionaire Koch brothers have stated that man-made climate change is a farce. Also part of this anti-science crusade, the Republican Party is the only major political party in the developed world that is dismissive of climate science. In fact, of the 20 GOP Senate challengers that have taken a position on climate change, 19 believe that the climate science is inconclusive or just plain wrong. Their stance is reminiscent of when the Church found Galileo "suspect of heresy" after he asserted, and proved, that our planet was round and orbited the sun.

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Inside the World Business Forum - Day 2

Day two of HSM's World Business Forum offered an exciting lineup. Highlighted by Al Gore and James Cameron, the event certainly lived up to the first day's billing. Broken down into topics and major speakers, here's the recap:

Economics

Steve Levitt and Joseph Stiglitz started off the day by focusing on economic trends and insights. Steve Levitt, co-author of Freakonomics, stood on the stage and spoke to the audience in his midwestern, folksy way. More Garrison Keillor than corporate and economics visionary, Levitt spun personal stories about failure, striving for success and the importance of originality in a competitive market. Candidly, he shared his experiences of tremendous failings and how they pushed him to deviate from his more successful economist colleagues to focus on novel topics and studies. A truly talented storyteller, Levitt highlighted the value of inquiry and open-mindedness. In contrast, Stiglitz took the stage with a message and presentation that was much more traditional than Levitt. Referencing economic history, theory and esteemed colleagues, Stiglitz suggests that the United States is in a critical time, and efforts need to be made to stimulate the economy, provide jobs and partner academics with business experts to generate new ideas for progress.

Al Gore
Al Gore announced early that, "I'm going to talk today about sustainable capitalism and the climate crisis." His discussion was pointed and flowing, and focused on critical issues related to climate concerns. Specifically, Gore centered much of his attention on the successes that we've had in stabilizing the population, worries related to the use of outdated technologies, and our dated thinking about capitalism and democracy. Beyond the argument that has come to define Gore's current work, he appealed to the audience to lead courageously through the climate crisis. He cautioned against "short-termism," stating that, "We assign importance to short-term results, and it is hurting the U.S. economy." Gore gets excited and draws you into this idea that we are at a historical crossroads and the United States is in need of leaders who will stand up and strive to positively impact the challenge facing our environment, climate and future. As Gore passionately states, "Make no mistake, this is the overriding challenge of our time."

Curiosity and creativity
A. G. Lafley, former CEO and chairman of the board at P&G, started off the afternoon with a challenge that he first accepted for himself, "I'm going to get curious about an area that I haven't been curious about," he began, "and I'm going to start exploring that area." In encouraging everyone to get curious, he set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. Renée Mauborgne flooded the audience with insights and models that spoke to the importance of creativity in envisioning and capturing a market space, and Vijay Govindarajan continued by encouraging everyone to selectively forget the past while working to create the future. Govindarajan handed the baton to Brian Goldner, CEO of Hasbro, to discuss Hasbro's efforts to creatively advance. Goldner outlined the evolution of Hasbro, the trajectory from Mr. Potato Head to their "2 to 82" marketing effort. He spoke about Hasbro's efforts to re-imagine, re-invent and re-ignite, and showed a promotional video for Hasbro's new multimedia network, the hub, confirming that the organization has come a long way from potato accessories. In all cases, creativity and curiosity were paramount to success.

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A Tradition of Winning Restored — Mike Pressler

Photo by John Strohsacker/Laxphotos.com

In listening to Mike Pressler you hear poise, consistency, intensity and precision. In some ways he sounds more like a chemistry professor than a lacrosse coach, intent on getting particular points across, focused on specific details. In listening to Mike Pressler you also hear a collection of coaching minds, an echo of how great achievements are won. In reflecting on Pressler, his team’s success, and bringing gold back to the United States, we put him in the company of his peers – U.S. coaching greats.

“You're looking for players whose name on the front of the sweater is more important than the one on the back. I look for these players to play hard, to play smart and to represent their country.”
- Herb Brooks, US Hockey Coach, 1980 Olympics

As the head coach of the U. S. Team, Mike Pressler had one goal in establishing the 2010 squad: Assemble a team of talented and selfless players who would embrace different but complimentary roles in bringing back gold. He achieved his goal, but to do it the entire tryout process was revamped. Rather than an application and single weekend of tryouts, only a handful of players were invited to a weekend at Bryant University. Several weekends of exhibition games followed, and players were winnowed down from nearly 100 to 23 over the course of months. In staying focused on assembling the best “TEAM”, Pressler and his staff set out to evaluate character. It was never in question whether players trying out had the chops to compete internationally. In many ways Pressler and his staff put lacrosse aside, choosing to focus on body language, reactions to adversity and success, strength of character, leadership, and unselfishness. By getting to know the players as people, watching their reactions, and listening to their interactions, the coaches began to put together a group of men who would win the gold with character and heart, not simply skill and ability.

"The essence of this whole thing is trying to become a good team. And becoming a good team is hard work... It requires the ability to have tough conversations, real communication. It requires an honest sense of roles and the ability for a team to come together, grow and see what's important."
- Bob Bradley, US Soccer Coach, 2010 World Cup

“I firmly believe that great players want to be communicated with,” said Presler “they want to know what you expect, want structure, want goals.” Put succinctly, “You must spend time with your people.” In the hotel, texting, emails, at lunch, on the plane, in the bus, Pressler set out to understand and know his players. He asked them to “evaluate themselves in between events. Max Seibald, how did you play? Ryan Powell, what do you need to do and what do we need to do to move this thing forward?” As the head coach, as the leader, Pressler made it his job to know his personnel, build trust, and walk together toward shared achievement. “When you know them, and you spend all that time with them, and they know you have their best interest at heart . . .”, Pressler continued, “. . . you’ve earned their trust.” The staff was brutally honest throughout, immediately addressing points tactfully with individuals and up-front with the team. There were hard times, and difficult moments. The loss to Canada in round-robin play forced the team to think about where it was going. But in the end, “there was great respect and great trust”, and as Pressler says, “with mutual respect and mutual trust you can accomplish anything.”

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The World Business Forum - Day 1 (Second Half)

Between the morning and afternoon sessions at the World Business Forum, I hustled across the street from Radio City Music Hall and listened to a panel discussion presented by MWW Group. The panel consisted of David Gergen, former White House Advisor, Jim Quigley, chief executive officer of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and Arkadi Kuhlmann, chairman and president of ING DIRECT USA. Entitled, Sustainable Leadership, one of the most intriguing takeaways from the panel was the shared perspective that trust is paramount to leadership, and that this reality has never seemed so ironic. With business and political leaders regularly losing the trust of the larger public, the panel agreed that one of the more fascinating leadership questions of the day is how to reconcile the general lack of trust in modern leaders? Building from that, this afternoon's presenters offered insights into how to handle this question.

Charlene Li

Li's experience and expertise in social media is fascinating. It sheds light on the world we're beginning to enter, and suggests that the game is shifting. Social media outlets are tools to connect with customers transparently, offering leaders the opportunity to engage people in a more personal capacity. From Facebook to Twitter, Li suggests that corporations can showcase their best selves through interacting and communicating openly online. Whether organizations encourage front-line employees to reach out to customers through question and answer platforms or CEOs communicate to customers about future products, concerns, ideas, etc., these channels are facilitating dialogue, partnerships, and sharing. Finally, Li touched on the importance of failure and inventiveness in further engaging in our uber-connected world. She suggests that social media should drive strategy, encourage shifts in a leader's approach, and motivate organizations to prepare for how social media can be adopted to support the vision of the organization, but mistakes are inevitable. It's a new frontier, but a powerful tool to honestly connect with employees, customers, and clients alike.

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The World Business Forum - Day 1

The 2010 HSM World Business Forum kicked off promptly at 9 AM. Patricia Meier, HSM CEO, took the stage of Radio City Music Hall, welcoming the 4000 attendees with a friendly introduction. She laid out the agenda for the next two days, and reminded everyone of just how impressive the speaker list is. Kicking off the event was Jim Collins and he didn't waste time diving in.

Jim Collins

Collins speaks passionately, a preacher of business case studies and stats, gesticulating around the pulpit delivering his sermon of success. He outlines a belief that greatness and defeat are data driven constructs formed of concrete stages. Decline is a function of hubris and denial, while success is a hard-won product of compassion and effort. Collins focused his talk on the collapse of business, breaking the process of corporate failure into five stages, but he continually flipped back into what makes success happen, the flip side of why failure occurs. The five stages were punctuated with various anecdotes and models, and tracked decline from over confidence and denial to fighting for survival and succumbing to defeat. In his reverent way, Collins concluded with ten to-dos for the many executives in the crowd, asking everyone to engage in their organization in ways that varied from analyzing challenges to reserving time during the week to quietly reflect. Before wrapping up, Collins ended with a sentiment from his mentor, Peter Drucker, "Spend more time asking how you can be useful, and if you do that you'll never want to give up."

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