Did you catch the new GM commercial? See it at…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr94zStsk8E
The essence is — yes, we’ve blown it. We’ve been knocked down, but you know what? The difference between us and everybody else in the world is that we have managed to get back up. I thought the commercial was exceptional. In one fell swoop, GM said, “Hey, we blew it but — we’re back, we’re better, and we’re grateful.” They probably also attracted a certain kind of follower — someone who respects honest and heart. Which gives me pause: how many times do we all become defensive and confrontational when we’re forced to come face to face with our own vulnerabilities? How often do we strike back in an attempt to regain footing? When’s the last time you heard someone truly admit that he or she made a mistake — but then fixed it.
And beyond that, this wasn’t just a baseball through a living room window. This was a giant conglomerate with thousands of employees. You know, when the chips are down, some things become very negative. Stress increases. Tempers flare. And people sometimes quit or move on, partly because they’re scared… and sometimes because they’re angry about something. (I don’t know — maybe being scared makes them feel angry?)
Have you ever been playing soccer when, after about 90 minutes have passed, someone leaves the game because he’s tired? I’ve noticed that when someone leaves, it makes the game very vulnerable. But I’ve also noticed — it depends on who leaves as to whether or not the game will fold. If it’s a novice player or someone that few people know or love, then the departure goes unnoticed. But if it’s the best player on the field, or the one that keeps everybody jazzed and pumped, then there’s this critical moment when every player on the field asks himself (or herself), “Do I want to go on playing?” In many cases, one departure will prompt several and, before you know it, the whole game folds. It’s a cascading effect not unlike “mob psychology.”
Which brings me to my point: You never ever know how crucial your attitude will be when the chips are down. Someone at GM must have believed that it was worth it. Someone had a titanium will to succeed. Someone *believed*.
How ’bout you? Do you have a story of overcoming the odds? Have you experienced a time when someone quit and it caused you to consider it, but you decided to tough it out for the good of the cause? If you’re shy, you can always choose to make it anonymous. We just want to celebrate with you — or mourn, depending on the case. Just click “Comment” below this item on the web and tell your story. Thanks in advance for your help!
I guess if you call dissing all secured lenders in violation of all contract law, giving control to the government, ie giving taxpayers (that is you and me) money and control to the unions, avoiding a prudent reorganization through bankruptcy, as a claim to success, then you are absolutely right.
Jack, good point. But in Bankruptcy law, doesn’t the client have to eventually pay back the creditors? Chapter 11 affords one protection — not total forgiveness, right? If not, please forgive — and see through to the perseverance lesson, not the legal side of things.