This Year Can Fly Away

December 31, 2008 | Filed Under Change 

To call 2008 a year of change is an understatement.

But rather than complain, I’ve found insight from two leaders who have had tremendous success and know how to face reality squarely. I thought I’d share.

First, two observations about Apple’s Steve Jobs:

There are many words that characterize Apple under the second reign of Steve Jobs: resurgent, exciting, innovative, successful. I’d add one more to that list: fearless.

Most large corporations are afraid of change. Successful product lines, business plans, and especially brands are milked for every penny. And when there’s nothing left, when the thing’s been beaten into the ground until not a single ounce of value remains, only then will corporations reluctantly move on. (via Ars Technica)

To which is astutely added:

It’s not that Steve Jobs is fearless, but rather that he’s afraid of not changing. Where other CEOs can’t bring themselves to do something different, Jobs can’t bring himself to keep doing the same thing. (via Daring Fireball)

Second, words to the wise from GE’s Jeffrey Immelt:

This economic crisis doesn’t represent a cycle. It represents a reset. It’s an emotional, social, economic reset.
…
People who understand that will prosper, Those who don’t will be left behind. (via Marc Gunther)

I dare say many in the law right now feel sort of battered by change and more than a little fearful about what 2009 may bring.

I think 2009 will be a better year than 2008. Not easier, not predictable. Definitely not migrating back to the status quo. Maybe even a bit exciting. That would be my definition of a happy new year.

So take flight 2008. You can go now.

Fly Away 2008

Thomas Friedman on the Law?

December 12, 2008 | Filed Under Cost Control, In the News 

Well no, actually about the teetering auto industry, but on some days many things have a legal angle to me:

… I can’t help but reflect on what, in my view, is the most important rule of business in today’s integrated and digitized global market, where knowledge and innovation tools are so widely distributed. It’s this: Whatever can be done, will be done. The only question is will it be done by you or to you. Just don’t think it won’t be done.

An article more to the legal point today sports the headline:

“Law Department Budget Cuts Could Lead to Change in Outside Firms.”

I don’t think the causation will be that direct. More like Palsgraf, probably. So I think it’s closer to this:

Change in outside firms will come from GCs changing outside firms.

All aboard? (Just watch out for a person on the platform with a package).

palsgraf