Raleigh businessman Art Pope, Jr. has an outstanding op-ed in Saturday's News & Observer on the recent resignation of Wake County School Superintendent Del Burns. Burns resigned because the newly elected school board majority seeks to overturn the failed policies devised under his and the previous board's direction. Pope uses the analogy of Enron, MCI and Lehman Brothers, to drive home the point that failed management produces disastrous outcomes.
I do not know Dr. Burns. However, by his resignation he has instantly earned my respect, and I imagine the respect and admiration of every corporate president and director who has ever struggled with this philosophical divide. Many corporate chieftains would selfishly hold out, not wanting to let go of their power, their income or their bonus. Many boards don't have the fortitude to terminate their presidents, preferring instead to "just get along." Either case wastes valuable resources of time, talent, money and trust among all of the stakeholders.
Burns was an effective administrator - for the former board. That board set forth a strategy, and Burns executed its strategy. That board and Burns' staff were in philosophical alignment. Unfortunately for Burns, the old board of directors disappointed its shareholders (the voters), who staged a "proxy fight" and took over the board.
Good for them. If more proxy fights occurred in Corporate America, then perhaps the Enrons, MCIs and the Lehman Brothers of the world would still be in business.
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