Thread regarding Adidas layoffs

I love that Bjorn's shareholder update was nearly just a long list of beautiful product and upcoming launches...it's been too long since that's been true. That was music to my ears...

If Peter’s principle doesn’t apply, it’s because certain leaders have isolated themselves behind a wall project managers, who are very good at what they do, but have no clue how our core business is planned, produced, bought or sold.

Kaspar did it too…he hid behind an army of former consultants who’s main job was to translate our business so the executive audience could understand. Right now, we have a lot functional leaders who have no experience in those functions.

Still hoping for a better future: Bjorn was pretty clear at the Q1 Townhall, when the executive recruiter asked for advice:

“When you recruit someone into functions, let’s make sure they have the competence”Music to my ears….

Because in adidas individuals reach the top jobs because of politics and not merit. Even if you are the most useless person on the planet, eloquence is going to get you far because decision makers likely reached their positions the same way. Peter’s principle that “every employee reaches their level of incompetence and gets stuck there” doesn’t apply to adidas.

Maybe it’s wishful thinking that the Supervisory Board will catch sh-t at the Annual Meeting in May….They are ultimately behind all of the Board appointments.

Kasper was a catastrophic error. Brian also leaves his own path of destruction. And the past two COOs… Why do we entrust that part of our business to people with absolutely zero experience in any operations function?!

Shareholders should be furious.