Leadership in Turbulent Times

Mr. Thomas O'Brien Speaks at Saint Leo

Mr. Thomas E. O’Brien, president & CEO of AAA Auto Club South, recently spoke to Saint Leo University MBA students and faculty at a Lunch and Learn session at the university’s main campus.  The discussion was simulcast to students enrolled at Saint Leo’s Chesapeake, Virginia, and suburban Atlanta teaching locations.

Sharing lessons from his experience as a leading executive in the tourism industry—lessons that can be applied to any business sector—Mr. O’Brien focused on the fundamentals required of leaders, especially during a troubled economy.

“Management involves understanding processes and financial ratios.  Leadership is about inspiring others to act,” he said.  “Seeking input through ‘management by walking around’ gains respect and builds a level of trust for when less popular and difficult decisions have to be made.  A successful leader will work ‘hands on’ and inspire staff to lead a company back to prosperity,” added Mr. O’Brien.

Mr. O’Brien’s Top 10 List

1. Be true to your core values, your commitment to customers, commitment to employees, honesty, integrity, and protect the brand.
2. Create and act with a sense of urgency, not panic.
3. Focus only on priority initiatives, making certain operating and capital budgets are aligned to support priorities.
4. Establish and maintain a positive attitude.
5. Make the tough decisions now, not later.
6. Communicate with employees as often as necessary to keep them informed.
7. Make expense reductions as soon as it is apparent the budget may not be working.
8. Work as hard at revenue growth as you do at expense reduction.
9. Try not to cut too deep into your core, to be in a position to have strong performance once turbulence has passed.
10. Build a strong balance sheet, especially your liquidity position—be as diligent managing the balance sheet as you are the profit and loss statement.