John Chen took over at BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) at a time when the company was nearing collapse with bankruptcy bells ringing. At the time, everything was working against the company both on the hardware and software.
The Art of Problem Solving
Being a man who has never shied away from challenges, taking over at BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) presented one of the best opportunities for Chen to show the world what he is really made-of. The CEO has now provided a clear insight of what it took to position BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) on a recovery path.
The CEO emphasizes on focusing on the positive instead of dwelling on the wrongs that were done in the past. A turnaround culture according to the BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) chief should always be positive, with employees imparted with hunger and confidence to get things done. Loosing urgency after achieving a number of targets as well as hitting milestones is always sure to creep in and may be fatal in the long-run if caution is not taken.
Accountability For Every Decision Made
Accountability of decisions made is key according to Chen when initiating a turnaround plan. Like for BlackBerry’s case, hard decisions had to be made on how operating costs were to be reduced. Chen reiterates that he always takes care of BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY)’s the way he takes care of his family, something he believes has allowed him to make the right decisions.
Trying to look for the perfect strategy according to Chen may never work in an era where questions have multiple answers while problems have several solutions. Focusing on long-term goals and strategies remains key if a turnaround plan is to be achieved.
Empowering Employees
Empowering employees to be ready and willing to take risks that are not to the extreme should always come into play when there is an urgent need for a turnaround. Empowered employees will at all times evangelize a business to customers, engage with partners with professionalism and respect as well as focus efforts on reducing on waste and costs.
Over the past year Chen has handled the situation at BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) pretty well, having addressed a number of problems surrounding the company’s culture. The company is already making substantial gains both on the hardware and software front.
